Maximum Working Hours & Overtime Laws in Norway
Standard hours in Norway
Working shifts are usually between the hours of 8/9 a.m. and 4/5 p.m., with an unpaid 30-minute lunch break.
The number of weekly working hours is usually 37.5 or 40. Hours worked beyond 40 hours per week or 9 hours per day must be paid as overtime.
Overtime
Norwegian law is very strict with limiting employees’ working hours. Hours worked beyond 40 a week are overtime hours. An employee may not work more than 200 overtime hours per year.
Opt-out option
Employees aren’t allowed to opt-out of the maximum working hours.
On-average agreements
The employer and the employee may agree in writing that normal working hours may be arranged. On average, during a period not exceeding 52 weeks, there may not be more than 40 hours per week, with the total working hours not exceeding (1) 10 hours per each 24-hour period and (2) 48 hours per each seven-day period. The limit of 48 hours per seven days may be calculated on the basis of a fixed average over a period of eight weeks, provided that normal working hours don’t exceed 50 hours in any one week.
Overtime compensation
Overtime is work beyond the weekly 40 hours. The overtime pay per hour must be at least 140 percent of the ordinary hourly rate (ordinary hourly rate + 40 percent).
The employer and the employee may agree in writing that overtime hours shall wholly or partly be taken out as off-duty time on agreed dates. However, the overtime supplement of (at minimum) 40 percent must be paid out.
Break rights
Every employee is entitled to the following:
- 30-minute break if more than 8 hours are worked
- at least 11 hours of rest daily
- minimum weekly rest of 35 consecutive hours
Sunday work
Working on Sundays is prohibited unless the nature of the work makes it necessary.
Night workers
Night work is defined as work performed between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Night work is prohibited unless the nature of the work makes it necessary. The duration of night work is limited to 8 hours per a 24-hour period.
Time Tracking Obligations in Norway
Employers must record all working hours laid down by each employee.
Activity reports
A summary (made either manually or electronically) showing how much an individual employee has worked must be available should the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority decide to conduct an overview (with timesheets being the most common form of a written overview of working hours).
Penalties
Employers breaking the rules on working hours and resting periods may be subject to fines, the size which may vary depending on the size of the business, the degree of neglect, etc.
