arbeidstime

Arbeidstime is the unit used to measure time spent on work. In everyday Norwegian usage, it is commonly understood as one hour of work. The broader concept arbeidstid covers the total period during which an employee is obligated or allowed to work, including regular hours, overtime, breaks, and sometimes paid or unpaid time off. Arbeidstime serves as the basic building block for recording, calculating pay, and determining entitlements tied to time worked.

The exact rules governing arbeidstid vary by country, sector, and collective agreements. In general, working time is regulated to protect health and safety, ensure sufficient rest, and provide rules for overtime compensation. Employers typically track hours through timesheets, punch clocks, or digital time-management systems, and employees rely on these records for pay and scheduling.

Types of arbeidstime commonly include normal or regular working hours, overtime (time worked beyond the agreed normal hours), and irregular hours such as night or shift work. Flexible arrangements—such as compressed weeks, flextime, or telework—may affect when and how work is performed, while still being counted as arbeidstime within the applicable rules.

Measurement and administration of arbeidstime are essential for payroll, attendance, and compliance with labor regulations. Accurate recording supports fair pay, correct overtime compensation, and adherence to limits on working hours and required rest.

See also: Working time, labor law, time tracking.