Töötundide

Töötundide, the Estonian term for working hours, refers to the periods during which an employee is obligated to perform work or be available to the employer. It is a central concept in employment relations and payroll, shaping pay, entitlements, and scheduling obligations. In many contexts, working time is distinguished from time off and paid leave.

Töötundide can be structured in several ways. Standard or regular working hours define the expected time at work. Overtime refers to hours worked beyond the standard schedule and is often compensated at a higher rate or with time off in lieu. Other arrangements include night work, shift work, flexible hours (flextime), compressed work weeks, part-time schedules, job sharing, and telework.

Regulatory frameworks vary by country. They typically set the maximum length of a work period, required rest between shifts, and rules for breaks, as well as how overtime is compensated. Employers generally keep records of hours worked to calculate pay and ensure compliance with applicable rules and collective agreements.

In Estonia, Töötundide is governed by national labor legislation and applicable agreements. The law defines working time, overtime, and rest periods, and requires record-keeping and compensation practices for overtime. The term is commonly used in contracts and official documents to denote the hours allocated for work.