Jaksotyöaika

Jaksotyöaika, or shift work time, is a system of organizing working hours in Finland. It aims to accommodate irregular operational needs and ensure continuous service in certain industries. Instead of a fixed daily or weekly schedule, working hours are arranged into periods, or cycles, which can span several weeks or even months. Within these cycles, the total number of hours worked must not exceed the average weekly working hours stipulated by law over the duration of the period.

The implementation of jaksotyöaika requires a collective agreement or an individual agreement between the employer and employee. This system allows for flexibility in scheduling, meaning that some weeks might involve longer working hours, while others might have shorter hours or even rest periods, as long as the average is maintained. This can be beneficial for industries like healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing, where continuous operation is necessary.

Specific rules govern how jaksotyöaika is implemented, including maximum working hours within a day and week, minimum rest periods, and compensation for overtime. The purpose is to balance the employer's need for operational flexibility with the employee's right to sufficient rest and reasonable working conditions. Detailed regulations are outlined in the Finnish Working Time Act and relevant collective agreements.