Standard work time

Standard work time in Austria is set at a maximum of 40 hours per week. This rule establishes the baseline threshold for ordinary working hours that employers may require of employees in most sectors of the economy. Any hours worked beyond this weekly limit are generally classified as overtime and subject to additional compensation or time-off provisions under Austrian labour law.

The regulation is codified in the Arbeitszeitgesetz (Working Time Act), Austria's primary statute governing working hours, rest periods, and related protections for employees. The current consolidated version reflects amendments through 13 June 2026.

The 40-hour standard has remained the statutory ceiling for regular weekly work in Austria for decades, providing stability for both employers and workers in planning labour schedules. The law permits flexibility through collective agreements and individual arrangements, provided they do not systematically exceed the 40-hour baseline without corresponding compensation or compensatory rest.

Employers and payroll teams must ensure that standard employment contracts and timekeeping systems reflect this 40-hour maximum for regular work weeks. Any hours exceeding this threshold must be tracked separately and compensated according to applicable overtime rules, which typically require either additional pay (often at a premium rate) or equivalent time off in lieu. Collective bargaining agreements in specific industries may establish different arrangements, but they cannot reduce the statutory 40-hour floor. Payroll administrators should verify compliance during each pay period and maintain clear records of hours worked to demonstrate adherence to the Arbeitszeitgesetz.