Heltidsarbetsvecka

Heltidsarbetsvecka, or full-time workweek, is the term used to describe the number of weekly working hours that define full-time employment. In Sweden it is used to distinguish between full-time and part-time positions. While the exact hours can vary by industry, the most common definition is around 40 hours per week, typically distributed over five days. Some collective agreements or sectors use a slightly different total, such as 38.5 hours per week.

The standard pattern is often eight hours per day from Monday to Friday, but variations exist due to shift arrangements, part-time agreements, and sector-specific norms. The exact number of hours that counts as full-time is frequently specified in employment contracts or negotiated in collective agreements, and may be adjusted for special circumstances or flexible work arrangements.

Legally, Sweden regulates working time through the Working Hours Act (Arbetstidslagen) and related labor laws, which set general limits on daily and weekly hours, rest periods, and overtime. Many employers also follow collective agreements that can establish more favorable terms for full-time employees, including scheduling practices and overtime compensation.

Full-time status has practical implications for an employee’s rights and benefits, such as salary structure, paid vacation, pension contributions, sickness and unemployment benefits, and notice periods. It also affects eligibility for certain positions or job postings and influences how work is planned and distributed within a team.

Overall, the concept of a heltidsarbetsvecka is central to Swedish labor relations, but the exact hours defining full-time can vary by contract, sector, and region.