Working Hours and Overtime in Italy

What Are the Standard Working Hours in Italy?

In Italy, the standard working week is 40 hours, typically divided into eight-hour days from Monday to Friday. Employees under the age of 18 are limited to a maximum of 40 hours per week, while those aged 18 and above can work up to 48 hours per week, including overtime. A minimum meal interval of 10 minutes is required for employees working more than six hours in a day. Typical working hours are from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with a lunch break around 1:00 PM.

Maximum Working Hours in Italy

Italian labor law stipulates that the maximum working hours, including overtime, should not exceed 48 hours per week, averaged over a four-month period. Overtime is permitted only in exceptional circumstances and must be compensated accordingly.

Industry-Specific Exceptions

Certain industries, such as healthcare and transportation, may have specific regulations regarding working hours due to the nature of the work. For example, healthcare workers may have different shift patterns to ensure continuous patient care. These exceptions are detailed in collective agreements and may differ from standard working hours.

Managerial and Exempt Employees

Managerial or exempt employees, often referred to as "dirigenti," are typically not subject to standard working hour regulations. Their working hours are generally determined by the requirements of their position and are not limited by the standard 40-hour workweek.

Statutory Full-Time Working Hours in Italy

Full-time employment in Italy is defined as working 40 hours per week. This standard applies across various industries and roles, ensuring consistency in employment contracts.

Overtime Regulations in Italy

What Counts As Overtime in Italy?

Overtime refers to any work performed beyond the standard 40-hour workweek. Work exceeding eight hours in a single day is also considered overtime.

Maximum Overtime in Italy

Work exceeding the standard weekly hours is paid by overtime and is regulated by employment contracts or collective agreements. The National Collective Agreement (NCA) typically determines the maximum limits for overtime pay.

The maximum allowable overtime is 250 hours per year; exceeding this limit requires specific authorization from the Department of Labor.

Overtime Payout Rates in Italy

Overtime compensation is typically at least 10% above the regular hourly rate. However, collective agreements may stipulate higher rates, especially for work performed on weekends or public holidays.

Rest Periods and Breaks in Italy

Italian labor law mandates a minimum daily rest period of 11 consecutive hours between work shifts. Employees working more than six consecutive hours are entitled to a break of at least 10 minutes. These regulations ensure adequate rest and recovery for employees.

Night Shifts and Weekend Regulations

Night work is defined as work performed between midnight and 5:00 AM. Employees working during these hours may be entitled to additional compensation, such as night shift allowances. Weekend work is typically compensated at a higher rate, as specified in collective agreements.

How Playroll Simplifies Employer Responsibilities and Compliance

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be challenging to keep up with ever-changing local labor laws and regulations in different countries. That’s the advantage of using an Employer of Record like Playroll:

• ‍Scale your global team: Legally hire and swiftly onboard new hires in 180+ regions without the red tape by offloading the HR admin to Playroll, so you can freely explore new markets and focus on growth.
• Stay compliant: Our built-in compliance checks and vetted contracts mean your agreements will always meet all legal requirements for working hours, overtime regulations, and more.
• ‍Pay your team accurately: Ensure your international employees and global contractors are paid on time, every time, and set up centralized global payroll processes.