What is additional work?
Additional work refers to working hours that exceed the legally stipulated maximum working hours. In Germany, the daily working time is limited to eight hours in accordance with Section 3 of the Working Hours Act (ArbZG). An extension to up to ten hours is only permitted if an average of eight hours per working day is not exceeded within six calendar months or 24 weeks.
Difference between additional work and overtime
It is important to distinguish between additional work and overtime:
- Overtime: Working time that exceeds the contractually agreed regular working time.
- Additional work: Working time that exceeds the maximum working hours permitted by law.
While overtime relates to individual contractual working hours, additional work relates to the statutory limits on working hours.
Legal regulations
The Working Hours Act regulates the permissible working hours:
- Daily working hours: Maximum eight hours per working day.
- Extension: Up to ten hours per working day if an average of eight hours per working day is not exceeded within six calendar months or 24 weeks.
Employers are obliged to document working hours and comply with legal requirements.
Remuneration and compensation
Compensation for additional work is not regulated by law and depends on individual agreements.
- Remuneration: Can be in the form of additional pay or bonuses.
- Time off in lieu: Time off in lieu can also be granted instead of financial compensation.
It is important that appropriate regulations are laid down in the employment contract, collective agreement or works agreement.
Digital support with time recording solutions from ZMI
ZMI’s time recording solutions support companies in recording additional work in a transparent and legally compliant manner.
- Automated time tracking: Precise recording of working hours, including additional work.
- Evaluations and reports: Clear presentation of working time overruns and their compensation.
- Compliance: Ensuring compliance with statutory working time requirements through appropriate warnings and reports.
By using ZMI time recording solutions, companies can efficiently manage their employees’ working times and at the same time comply with legal requirements.