Austrian Working Hours: A Comprehensive Guide for International Employers

As an HR professional with extensive international experience, I've found Austria's employment framework to be one of the most employee-protective in Europe. The country combines EU directives with national legislation to create a robust system that balances business needs with worker rights. Understanding these regulations is crucial for any company expanding into the Austrian market.

Standard Working Hours in Austria

Austria's Working Time Act establishes clear parameters for employee schedules. The standard workday is typically 8 hours, with a 40-hour week being the norm. However, collective bargaining agreements often create variations that employers must recognize.

Many industries have negotiated 38-hour workweeks through collective agreements
Flexible arrangements can extend daily hours to 10 under specific conditions
Four-day workweeks (4×10 hours) are possible with proper implementation
Extended daily hours (up to 9 hours) may be arranged to create longer weekends

Maximum Working Hours and Overtime Regulations

Austrian law sets strict limits on maximum working hours to prevent employee burnout and ensure workplace safety.

Legal Maximums and Penalties

The daily maximum including overtime is 12 hours, while the weekly cap stands at 60 hours. Importantly, the 17-week average cannot exceed 48 hours weekly. Non-compliance carries significant penalties ranging from €72 to €1,815 for initial violations, with repeated offenses facing higher fines.

Rest Period Requirements

Employees working over 6 hours daily must receive at least 30 minutes of break time, which doesn't count toward working hours. These breaks can be divided into shorter periods if operationally necessary. Additionally, workers are entitled to 36 consecutive hours of weekly rest, typically spanning from Saturday afternoon through Sunday.

Special provisions exist for breastfeeding mothers, who receive additional breaks ranging from 45 to 90 minutes depending on their shift length.

Overtime Compensation

Overtime requires both legal justification and consideration of employee interests. Compensation typically involves a 50% premium or equivalent time off. Key considerations include:

Weekly overtime cannot exceed 20 hours when calculated over 17 weeks
Employees can refuse overtime beyond 10 daily or 50 weekly hours without justification
Preparation and concluding work may extend shifts by 30 minutes maximum

Employment Contracts and Worker Classifications

Austrian employment law recognizes various worker categories, with minimum employment age set at 15 for apprenticeships and seasonal work. Contract types range from permanent to fixed-term arrangements, with written requirements varying by classification.

Essential contract elements include:

Required Element	Description
Parties Information	Full names and addresses of employer and employee
Compensation Details	Base salary, bonuses, and payment schedule
Work Arrangements	Normal hours, vacation entitlement, and workplace location
Contract Terms	Notice periods, collective agreements, and termination dates

Probation Period Provisions

Most Austrian employment relationships begin with a one-month probation period, during which either party can terminate without cause or notice. For apprenticeships, this period extends to three months. Employers should note that exceeding statutory probation limits doesn't extend the no-cause termination window.

Navigating Compliance Challenges

Many international companies struggle with Austria's detailed employment regulations. SailGlobal offers specialized compliance consulting to help businesses establish operations without violating local laws. Their expertise can prevent costly penalties and ensure smooth market entry.

Understanding Austrian employment law requires careful attention to both national legislation and industry-specific collective agreements. Companies investing in proper compliance from the outset typically experience fewer operational disruptions and better employee relations.

Austria Employment Law Guide: Working Hours, Overtime & Compliance