How much do you actually have to work during a seasonal job? Here is a brief overview of the possible working time models, legal requirements, and break times.
Shift work
Typical in the hotel and restaurant industry. There are usually early, late, and night shifts – each lasting about 8 hours. Night shifts come with extra allowances. 🤗
Example times:
Early: 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Late: 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Night: 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Full-time (standard model)
35 to 48 hours per week, usually spread over 5 to 6 days
Overtime? Yes, it does happen during the season. 😉
👉 You will either receive extra pay or time off in lieu for this.
Part-time (less common for seasonal jobs)
20 to 30 hours per week
Advantage: more free time
Disadvantage: lower salary
Block working hours
Here, you work long hours without many breaks, then you get several days off in a row! 🙌
Example:
🛠️ Work 10 to 12 days straight – 9 to 10 hours each day
🛌 3 to 5 days completely off
On-call time
You are at work, but only work actively when needed.
⏳ You often get less pay for the “waiting time.”
🧑🔧 If it gets stressful, you get full pay.
Maximum working hours & breaks (EU regulation)
Minimum standards apply throughout the EU (there may be minor differences between individual countries):
🕗 Maximum daily working time
8 hours (maximum 10 with compensation)
📅 Maximum weekly working time
Maximum 48 hours including overtime
💤 Rest between two working days
At least 11 hours
🛌 Minimum rest period per week
At least 24 hours
☕Break after 6 hours of work
At least 30 minutes
🍽️Break after 9 hours of work
Usually at least 45 minutes
🔁Distribution of breaks
Possible: for example, 2x15 or 3x10 minutes
🧠 Things to remember:
You are entitled to breaks and rest periods.
Your contract and work schedule should clearly stipulate when and how you work.
Overtime must be documented and paid or compensated.
Would you like to learn more about working abroad? Then click here!
© WinterSummerJobs by AI
© WinterSummerJobs by AI
