enimmäistyöaikojen

Enimmäistyöaikojen refers to the maximum working hours permitted by law or collective agreements in Finland. These regulations are designed to protect employees' health and safety by preventing excessive working hours and ensuring adequate rest periods. The primary legislation governing maximum working hours is the Työlainsäädäntö (Working Time Act).

The Working Time Act stipulates that the normal working hours for full-time employees are typically eight hours per day and forty hours per week. However, it also allows for flexibility through various arrangements, such as extended daily hours if the weekly average is maintained. Overtime is permissible but is strictly regulated. There are limits on the total amount of overtime an employee can work in a given period, often capped at 138 hours within a four-month period. Furthermore, there are requirements for compensatory rest after overtime work.

Collective agreements can also influence maximum working hours, sometimes providing more favorable terms for employees than the statutory minimums. These agreements are negotiated between employers' organizations and trade unions. Employers are obligated to maintain records of working hours and ensure that the legal and contractual limits are not exceeded. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in legal penalties for the employer. The purpose of these rules is to strike a balance between the needs of businesses for operational flexibility and the fundamental right of workers to a healthy work-life balance.