övertidens

Övertidens refers to the regime surrounding overtime work in Sweden, including the hours worked beyond an employee’s regular working time and the rules that govern when such hours may be required and how they are compensated. The concept covers both the extra hours themselves and the accompanying pay or time off that employees are entitled to.

Legal framework and limits are primarily shaped by the Working Hours Act (Arbetstidslagen) and by collective agreements. The act provides general guidelines on how overtime can be scheduled, the need for rest and recovery, and the framework within which overtime hours may be used. Collective agreements between employers and unions can modify, extend, or specify overtime rules for particular sectors, industries, or workplaces.

Compensation for overtime is usually specified as either additional pay, compensatory time off, or a combination of both. The exact form and rate are typically defined in collective agreements or company policies, and they may vary between industries and workplaces. In many cases, overtime is paid at a higher rate than regular hours, and employees may have the option to take time off in lieu as an alternative.

Practical considerations include record-keeping and transparency, as employers are generally expected to document overtime and communicate expectations clearly. Employees retain rights to rest periods and to refuse overtime in certain circumstances, depending on legal provisions and contract terms. Overtime practices are influenced by the balance between staffing needs, employee well-being, and the applicable collective agreements.

See also: Arbetstidslagen, övertidsersättning, kompensation i tid, kollektivavtal.