Georgia's Employment Regulations: A Comprehensive Guide for International Employers

Georgia has established a robust legal framework to protect employee rights, with comprehensive labor legislation governing all aspects of employment relationships. The Labor Code and Labor Safety Organization Act provide detailed provisions covering working hours, rest periods, compensation, overtime, occupational health and safety, and employment termination procedures.

Standard Working Hours in Georgia

The standard workweek in Georgia typically consists of 40 hours, with daily work not exceeding 8 hours. However, certain industries with specific operational requirements may implement work schedules up to 48 hours per week. Special provisions exist for minor employees, with reduced maximum hours based on age categories.

Maximum Working Hours and Overtime Regulations

Georgia's labor legislation establishes clear parameters for maximum working hours and overtime compensation. The standard reference period for calculating average weekly hours is four months, excluding periods of statutory leave or sick absence.

Employee Category	Maximum Daily Hours	Maximum Weekly Hours
Adult Employees	8 hours	40-48 hours
16-18 Year Olds	6 hours	36 hours
14-16 Year Olds	4 hours	24 hours

Mandatory Rest Periods and Breaks

Georgia's labor laws mandate specific rest requirements to ensure employee wellbeing:

Minimum 12-hour continuous rest between work shifts
At least 60 minutes break for workdays exceeding 6 hours
Additional feeding breaks for nursing mothers with children under one year
Weekly rest period of at least 24 consecutive hours

Night Work Provisions

Night work in Georgia is defined as work performed between 10 PM and 6 AM. Special protections apply to night workers, including health monitoring requirements and restrictions on certain employee categories. Employers must provide regular medical examinations at their expense for night shift employees.

Overtime Compensation Requirements

Overtime work requires mutual agreement between employer and employee, with advance written notice typically required. Enhanced compensation rates apply for overtime hours, with payment due alongside regular monthly wages. Employers must provide compensatory rest within four weeks of overtime work completion.

Employment Contract Requirements

Employment relationships in Georgia can be established through either oral or written agreements, though written contracts become mandatory for engagements exceeding one month. Contracts must include essential terms covering job description, compensation, working conditions, and termination procedures.

Fixed-Term vs. Indefinite Contracts

Fixed-term contracts are permissible under specific circumstances, including seasonal work, temporary workload increases, or replacement of absent employees. Without meeting these conditions, contracts automatically convert to indefinite duration. Special provisions apply to startups and newly established enterprises.

Trial Period Regulations

Georgia permits trial periods of up to six months, requiring written agreements specifying terms and compensation. Termination during trial periods follows simplified procedures without standard dismissal requirements, though earned wages must be fully paid.

Companies expanding into Georgia often benefit from professional guidance to ensure full compliance with local labor regulations. SailGlobal offers comprehensive consulting services to help international businesses navigate Georgia's employment landscape effectively.

Georgia Labor Law Guide: Working Hours, Contracts & Employee Rights