Share

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vivamus convallis sem tellus, vitae egestas felis vestibule ut.

Error message details.

Reuse Permissions

Request permission to republish or redistribute SHRM content and materials.

In Focus: A Look at Overtime Laws Around the Globe




The United States is not alone in reassessing the workweek and payment of overtime. Sweden is experimenting with a 6-hour workday, while the state government of Maharashtra has enacted an amendment that allows all workers to put in more overtime. Here are more news updates about overtime around the world: 

United Kingdom: Employers 'Will Cut Overtime and Weekend Pay' to Meet Living Wage
A report by Manpower shows workers may see little difference in pay packets after firms make savings in other areas.
(The Guardian)

Is French 35-Hour Work Week Under Siege?
The 35-hour maximum work week in France soon could come to an end. Plans from French President François Hollande would whittle away at the rigidity of the 35-hour work week and make it easier for employers to fire their workers, the Economist reported.
(International Business Times)

India: State Amends Factories Act to Allow More Working Days and Overtime
The state government of Maharashtra has enacted an amendment to the Factories Act that allows all workers to put in more overtime and women workers to work night shifts, while reducing the number of days that must be worked before an employee can claim paid annual leave.
(Bloomberg BNA)

Sweden Introduces Six-Hour Work Day
Employers across the country including retirement homes, hospitals and car centres, are implementing the change.
(Independent)

How Overtime Is Regulated in China
Any workers coming to China will have to consider the overtime aspect of their jobs.
(LinkedIn Pulse: Wei Hsu)

About Overtime. Is It Wise to Work Many Hours? Click on Your Country
Check out this interactive map to see overtime compensation rates by country.
(WageIndicator.org)

Americans Work Hard, But People In These 15 Countries Work Longer Hours
The U.S. ranks at number 16 for the longest workweek, behind Ireland and ahead of the Czech Republic, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Mexican workers came in first (or last, deepening on your perspective) with 42.85 hours worked per week
(Fortune)

Kathy Gurchiek is the associate editor at HR News. Follow her @SHRMwriter.

Advertisement

​An organization run by AI is not a futuristic concept. Such technology is already a part of many workplaces and will continue to shape the labor market and HR. Here's how employers and employees can successfully manage generative AI and other AI-powered systems.

Advertisement