RomaniaExpanding your business and hiring employees in Romania?
Grasping Romanian working hours and labor regulations is crucial for employers, particularly when bringing on local talent from overseas. Romania’s labor laws focus on safeguarding employee rights, encouraging a healthy work-life balance, and promoting overall well-being.
By complying with the established hours of work in Romania and other relevant employment regulations, you can ensure legal compliance, minimize risks of penalties, and create a supportive workplace culture.
Standard working hours in Romania
In Romania, the typical full-time working hours amount to a maximum of 40 hours per week, usually spread over five days, from Monday to Friday. This aligns with European Union regulations aimed at fostering fair labor practices.
The standard workday for office workers typically starts at 9 AM and ends at 5 PM, including a 30-minute unpaid lunch break. However, working hours may differ in sectors like hospitality and retail, with some establishments opening as early as 8 AM or operating in shifts.
Part-time employees work fewer than the standard 40 hours, and their specific hours are usually clearly outlined in their employment contracts.
Overtime regulations
The Romanian Labor Code governs overtime. Any hours worked beyond the standard 40-hour workweek are considered overtime. Employees are entitled to 175% of their regular hourly wage for these extra hours.
Employers must secure employees’ agreement before assigning overtime, and such arrangements should be discussed beforehand. Employees have the right to decline unreasonable overtime requests. Overtime cannot exceed four hours per day or 48 hours per month, except in specific exceptional situations.
Flexible working arrangements
Under the Labor Code, Romanian employees have the right to request flexible working arrangements, such as modifications to hours, schedules, or locations. Eligible employees often include parents of children under the age of 3, caregivers, individuals with disabilities, and those experiencing health issues. Casual employees can also seek flexibility if they have a consistent work history of at least 12 months.
While there is no statutory requirement for a 4-day workweek, some Romanian companies are exploring this option. Employers and employees can negotiate individual agreements to adjust working hours, allowing for a more tailored approach that meets both parties’ needs.
Breaks and rest periods
In Romania, employees who work more than six hours in a day are entitled to at least a 30-minute unpaid meal break. This break is generally scheduled during the workday to allow employees time to relax and recharge.
Additionally, employees must receive a minimum rest period of 12 hours between shifts to support their well-being and recovery. Over a week, employees are entitled to at least 48 consecutive hours of rest, typically observed during weekends. While these are the statutory minimum requirements, employers and employees can agree on different arrangements, provided they adhere to the relevant labor laws.
Night work and shift work
Employees who work at night are usually entitled to extra compensation, typically an additional 25% of their standard hourly wage. While the Romanian Labor Code outlines this additional pay, actual compensation may differ based on collective bargaining agreements or specific company policies. Shift work arrangements must also adhere to regulations concerning rest periods and maximum working hours to protect employee welfare.
Part-time and minor employment
In Romania, specific arrangements for part-time work can vary by industry. However, part-time employees typically work fewer than 40 hours per week, often with set and predictable schedules.
Romania has established clear regulations regarding the employment of minors. The minimum age for employment is 16. Young individuals aged 16 to 18 may work up to 30 hours per week, with limitations to ensure they can continue their education.
Minors are not permitted to work more than 6 hours per day and must not work during school hours. Additionally, employers are required to provide minors with adequate protections to ensure their safety and well-being in the workplace.
Compliance and penalties
In Romania, employers must keep accurate records of employees’ working hours, including overtime and breaks. These records should be maintained for at least three years and must be available for labor inspections.
If employers fail to follow these record-keeping rules, they can face fines ranging upto RON 20,000 for each violation.
Employers also need to respect employees’ time off. Workers should be able to disconnect from work communications outside regular hours without worrying about negative consequences.
Cultural considerations
Romanians generally place a strong emphasis on work–life balance. They value flexible work arrangements that allow for personal and family commitments, reflecting the cultural importance of family in Romania.
Employee well-being is also supported through various leave policies, such as parental leave and vacation days. The cultural focus on family means that employees may prioritize personal obligations, so employers need to acknowledge and respect these values.
Romania’s workforce is diverse, encompassing individuals from various cultural backgrounds. This diversity brings different perspectives on working hours, breaks, and the importance of time off.
Get started with Multiplier’s Employer of Record (EOR) services
With the Multiplier Employer of Record (EOR) platform, you can recruit employees in Romania without needing to establish a local entity. We handle all HR functions, including compliant contracts, payroll, labor law compliance, and benefits administration.
By partnering with us, you can focus on growing your business and building your team in Romania while ensuring compliance with local labor regulations.
Schedule a demo with Multiplier’s experts today to see how we can help you expand your team in Romania.
