Tööaega

Tööaega refers to the period during which an employee is at the employer’s disposal to perform work or is actively engaged in work. It covers on-site work, remote work, or other locations where the employee is expected to work. Time spent on paid leave, holidays, or sickness is not considered working time.

In Estonia, working time is regulated by the Working Time Act, the Employment Contracts Act, and applicable collective agreements. The goal is to protect health and provide predictable schedules. The regime sets limits on total working time, required rest, breaks, and rules for night work and overtime, along with how hours are recorded.

Typical structures include standard or full-time and part-time arrangements, with options for flexible or teleworking by agreement. The law distinguishes ordinary working time from overtime and night work, and it may include rules for shift sequences and rest between shifts.

Overtime hours are generally extra to the agreed working time and are subject to additional pay or time off in lieu, depending on the contract or collective agreement. Consent and notice requirements apply, and overtime may be restricted for certain groups such as young workers.

Practical aspects include the requirement for proper recording of working time and timely pay for overtime, as well as enforcement by labour inspection authorities. Employees have rights regarding breaks, rest periods, and compensation, while employers must maintain accurate records and comply with applicable rules.

See also: flexible working, telework, part-time work, night work.