Are you planning to hire employees in the Czech Republic?
Understanding working hours and labor regulations is essential when hiring in-country talent. The Czech Republic or Czechia’s labor laws emphasize protecting employee rights, maintaining a strong work-life balance, and fostering a healthy working environment, one aspect of which is stipulated working hours.
Adhering to the standard working time in the Czech Republic and other employment regulations can ensure compliance, avoid legal penalties, and build a positive workplace culture.
Standard working hours in Czech Republic
In the Czech Republic, standard full-time working hours are consistent with European Union regulations that promote fair labor standards. It is set at a maximum of 40 hours per week, generally distributed over five days, Monday through Friday.
A typical workday for office employees often begins at 8 or 9 AM and ends by 4 or 5 PM, with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break included. However, working hours can vary in industries like retail and hospitality, where shifts may start earlier or cover extended hours.
Part-time employees work fewer than 40 hours a week, and their employment contracts clearly define their working hours.
Overtime regulations
In the Czech Republic, overtime is regulated by the national Labor Code. Hours worked beyond the standard 40-hour workweek are classified as overtime, and employees are entitled to a 125% pay rate for overtime. If mutually agreed upon, they may receive time off in lieu.
Employers must obtain employees’ consent before assigning overtime, and it should be pre-arranged. Employees have the right to refuse overtime if the request is unreasonable. Overtime is generally capped at 8 hours per week and 150 hours per calendar year, although exceptions can be made under certain circumstances.
Flexible working arrangements
Employees in the Czech Republic can request flexible working arrangements under the Labor Code. This can include adjustments to their working hours, shifts, or even remote working options. Such flexibility is often made available to parents of children under the age of 15, caregivers, individuals with disabilities, or those dealing with health concerns.
Breaks and rest periods
In the Czech Republic, employees working more than six hours a day are entitled to a minimum 30-minute unpaid meal break. This break is typically scheduled during the workday to give employees time to rest and recharge.
Additionally, employees must have at least 11 consecutive hours of rest between shifts to ensure proper recovery. Over the course of a week, workers are entitled to at least 35 consecutive hours of rest, often taken over the weekend. While these are the legal minimums, employers and employees can mutually agree on alternative arrangements, as long as they comply with Czech labor laws.
Night work and shift work
Employees who work during night hours in Czechia (defined as between 10 PM and 6 AM) are entitled to extra compensation, typically an additional 10% of their standard hourly wage. While this is specified under the Czech Labor Code, the actual amount may vary depending on collective agreements or internal company policies.
Shift work must comply with regulations related to rest periods and maximum working hours to ensure employee well-being. Employers are required to monitor and manage night shifts and shift work carefully to prevent excessive fatigue and maintain workplace safety.
Part-time and minor employment
In the Czech Republic, part-time work arrangements can differ across various industries. However, part-time employees generally work fewer than 40 hours per week, with schedules that are typically set and predictable.
The country has specific regulations governing the employment of minors. The minimum age for employment is 15. Young individuals aged 15 to 18 can work a maximum of 30 hours per week, with certain restrictions to support their education.
Minors may not work more than 8 hours a day and cannot work during school hours. Employers must also ensure adequate protections are in place to safeguard the safety and well-being of young workers in the workplace.
Compliance and penalties
In the Czech Republic, employers are required to maintain accurate records of employees’ working hours, including overtime and breaks. These records must be kept for a minimum of three years and should be readily available for labor inspections.
Failure to comply with these record-keeping requirements can result in fines and penalties.
Employers must also respect employees’ time off. Workers should have the ability to disconnect from work communications outside regular hours without the fear of negative repercussions. This helps foster a healthier work-life balance and enhances employee well-being.
Cultural considerations
The Czech emphasize work-life balance and value flexible work arrangements that accommodate personal and family commitments. It is crucial for employers to recognize and respect these values. Employee well-being is further supported through various leave policies, including parental leave and vacation days.
The Czech workforce is diverse, featuring individuals from various cultural backgrounds. This diversity contributes to different perspectives on working hours, breaks, and the importance of time off, encouraging employers to foster an inclusive work environment that acknowledges these varying viewpoints.
Get started with Multiplier’s Employer of Record (EOR) services
With Multiplier’s Employer of Record (EOR) platform, you can hire employees in the Czech Republic without the need to set up a local entity. We manage crucial HR functions such as compliant onboarding, contracts, payroll, labor law compliance, and benefits administration.
By partnering with Multiplier, you can focus on growing your business and building your team in the Czech Republic while we ensure complete compliance with local labor laws.
Schedule a demo with Multiplier’s experts today to discover how we can assist you in expanding your team in the Czech Republic.
