In today's work environment, knowing and understanding the different types of working time is crucial for both employers and employees. Working hours are not uniform and vary depending on a number of factors such as industry, labour regulations and the needs of companies and workers. In this article, from CLB Human ResourcesIn this section, we will explore the main types of working time, their characteristics and the workers' rights related to each type. In addition, we will provide links to additional resources to further explore related topics and link to other articles of interest, such as the article on unused leave.
What is a Workday?
A working day refers to the time an employee spends performing the tasks for which he/she has been hired. This time may vary depending on the type of contract, the industry and the specific needs of the job. Depending on the Workers' Statute in SpainIn other words, working time is "the time of services rendered by the worker in payment of his or her activity debt". In other words, it is the time during which the worker is at the employer's disposal to perform his duties.
Full working day
The full working day is the most common and is characterised by a total of 40 hours per week, generally spread over 8 hours per day for five days per week. This type of working week may vary in its weekly distribution, allowing more hours to be worked one week and less the next, as long as the annual average does not exceed 40 hours per week.
- Distribution: 8 hours a day.
- Rest: 15 minutes rest per working day, unless otherwise specified in the collective agreement.
- Daily maximum: 9 hours of work per day.
Full-time work is common in most sectors, from administration to industry. Its main advantage is the stability and predictability in working hours, which facilitates both personal and professional planning.
Studies have shown that maintaining a well-structured, full working day can increase employee productivity and well-being. However, it is crucial to avoid work overload and ensure that breaks are respected to prevent burnout and promote a healthy working environment.
Part-time working day
The part-time working hours is characterised by working fewer hours than full-time, with a maximum of 30 hours per week. This type of working time is ideal for those seeking a work-life balance, such as students or people with other responsibilities.
- Hours per week: Maximum 30 hours.
- Flexibility: Possibility of additional hours during peak workloads.
- Benefits: Reduced workload, allowing more time for other activities.
Part-time employees have the right to equal rights than full-time ones, including holiday entitlement, sick leave and other benefits. It is important for employers to ensure that part-time contracts are clear and fair, specifying working hours and conditions of employment.
The flexibility is one of the main advantages of part-time working. It allows companies to adapt to fluctuations in demand and offers employees the possibility to adjust their schedules according to their personal and family needs.
Part-time Hourly Working Time
In the part-time part-time part-timeIn this type of work, the worker has a fixed number of hours to work, but these may be distributed irregularly throughout the week. This is often the case in temporary or seasonal employment.
- Distribution: Variable daily hours.
- Flexibility: High, with daily changing schedules.
- Application: Common in sectors such as retail and hospitality.
The main advantage of this modality is flexibility for both the employee and the employer. However, can be a challenge in terms of planning and economic stability for the worker.
Reduced Working Time
The reduced working hours applies in special situations, such as childcare, breastfeeding or when the work involves a health risk. This day allows workers to reduce their working hours to attend to these needs without losing their jobs.
- Reason: Health risks, childcare, breastfeeding.
- Benefits: Health protection and reconciliation of family life.
- Legislation: Protected by specific laws and collective agreements.
The possibility to reduce working hours is crucial for many workers who need to balance their work responsibilities with family obligations. This modality promoting work-life balanceThe quality of life of the employee is improved.
Part-time
The split working day is characterised by a break of at least one hour in the middle of the working day. It is common in full-time contracts and allows employees to take a significant break, usually for lunch.
- Distribution: Two work periods with a break in between.
- Rest: At least one hour of interruption.
- Application: Frequent in offices and areas where administrative work is carried out.
The main benefit of split shifts is the interim breakThe workday, which allows employees to recuperate and continue their workday with renewed energy. This type of working day is common in many European countries and is considered beneficial for productivity and well-being.
Continuous Working Day
The continuous working day consists of working all hours of the day in a row, with a short break of 15 to 30 minutes for a rest or a snack. This is efficient and allows for a more compact working day.
- Rest: Minimum break of 15 minutes.
- Benefits: Compact day and fewer interruptions.
- Application: Common in factories and industrial sectors.
Working a continuous working day can increase employee efficiency and concentration. The lack of long interruptions allows for a more consistent workflow and productive.
While continuous working hours can be beneficial in terms of productivity, it is crucial for employers to ensure that workers have adequate breaks for avoiding burnout and promote health and well-being.
Holiday Contract
The contract for public holidays is specific to working during holidays and weekends. This type of contract is ideal for students or people looking for additional income without compromising their regular working days.
- Distribution: I work on holidays and weekends.
- Flexibility: High, with the possibility of combining with other activities.
- Application: Frequent in commerce and customer services.
Night Work Day
The night working hours is carried out between 10 pm and 6 am. This type of workday has specific regulations to protect the health and well-being of the worker.
- Timetable: 10 PM to 6 AM.
- Benefits: Regular health checks and a ban on overtime.
- Daily maximum: 8 hours.
Working at night can have a negative impact on the significant impact on health including sleep disorders and other health problems. It is crucial that companies implement measures to mitigate these effects and promote the well-being of their night-time employees.
Shift Workday
The shift work is necessary in companies that operate 24 hours a day, such as hospitals, factories and emergency services. Employees rotate between morning, afternoon and night shifts.
- Rotation: Morning, afternoon and evening shifts.
- Protection: No more than two consecutive weeks on the night shift.
- Benefits: It allows for continuous operation of the company.
Working at shift work can affect work-life balance. It is important that companies provide support and resources to help employees manage the challenges associated with this type of work.
Compulsory breaks in working hours
Weekly Break
Every worker is entitled to a weekly rest period of at least one and a half continuous days. This rest is crucial for the worker's physical and mental recovery.
- Duration: Minimum of 36 consecutive hours.
- Distribution: Saturday afternoon and full Sunday, or Sunday and Monday morning.
Breaks Between Days
At least 12 hours must elapse between the end of one working day and the start of the next. This rest ensures that the worker has enough time to recover before returning to work.
Breaks in Continuous Shift
In continuous shifts, where more than six hours a day are worked, a minimum break of 15 minutes must be provided, which may be extended to 30 minutes depending on the collective agreement.
Justified Absences with Entitlement to Regular Remuneration
Marriage
Workers are entitled to 15 calendar days' leave in the event of marriage.
Birth of Child
In the event of the birth of a child, 12 weeks are granted to the father and 16 weeks to the mother.
Death of Family Member
The death of an immediate family member grants two days' leave if it occurs in the same city and four days' leave if it occurs in another province.
Moving
Employees are entitled to one day's paid leave in the event of a move. This leave helps employees to make the move in an organised manner and without losing working days.
Conclusion
Proper management of the different types of working hours is essential for the smooth running of any company and to ensure employee satisfaction and productivity. From full shifts to part-time work and night shifts, each type of working day has its own particularities and requires specific management to comply with current regulations and the needs of employees.
At CLB Human ResourcesWe are specialists in the search and selection of professionals, helping companies to find the right talent for each type of working day. If you are looking to optimise the management of your team and ensure compliance with labour regulations, do not hesitate to contact us. We are committed to providing you with customised solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of your organisation.
Don't forget to check out our related article on unused holiday timewhere we explore workers' rights in relation to outstanding leave and how to manage it properly.