Understanding working hours and Overtime Pay in Georgia

Intro

This guide provides an overview of key labour regulations in Georgia, addressing common questions about working hours, breaks, holidays, overtime, and compensation. Always refer to official legal sources for detailed information.

Working Hours and Breaks

1. What are the standard working hours?

 - Daily: 8 hours (in a 5-day workweek).

 - Weekly: 40 hours.

2. Are there specific summer working hours?

No, Georgia does not have distinct regulations for summer working hours.

3. How many regular working days are there per week?

Typically 5 days (e.g., Monday–Friday), but this can vary based on employment agreements.

4. Are meal breaks legally mandated?

  - Duration: At least 60 minutes if the working day is ≤6 hours. For longer days, break duration is agreed between employer and employee.

 - Compensation: Meal breaks are not compensated and excluded from working time.

5. Are short breaks during work hours mandatory?

No, except for breastfeeding employees. Other breaks (if agreed) are compensated only if specified in the employment contract.

Rest Days and Holidays

6. How many rest days are required per week?

At least 1 rest day (minimum 24 consecutive hours).

7. What are the statutory paid public holidays?

Georgia has 13 national public holidays, including New Year, Christmas, Easter, Independence Day, and others.

Example: January 1–2 (New Year), January 7 (Christmas), May 26 (Independence Day).

8. Are there state-specific holidays?

No, Georgia only recognises national holidays as statutory paid leave.

Overtime and Night Work

9. Is overtime allowed?

Yes, but only with mutual agreement between employer and employee.

10. How is overtime defined?

Overtime is work exceeding 40 hours per week.

11. Are there limits on overtime?

No statutory limits on weekly, monthly, or annual overtime.

12. How is overtime compensated?

 - Rate: Increased hourly rate, determined by agreement.

Suggested Rate: 150% for hours exceeding standard working hours, 200% for work on rest days or public holidays.

13. What is the definition of night work?

Night work is defined as work performed between 22:00 and 06:00.

14. Is night work compensated at a higher rate?

No statutory premium rate; compensation terms are agreed between employer and employee.

Compensation and Salary Calculation

15. How is work on rest days compensated?

Work on rest days is treated as overtime, with compensation based on the employment contract.

16. How is work on public holidays compensated?

Work on public holidays is treated as overtime, with compensation per contractual terms.

Example: 200% of the regular rate for work on public holidays.

17. How is salary calculated for partial workdays?

Salary is calculated proportionally based on days worked.

18. How do I convert a monthly salary to an hourly rate?

Divide the monthly salary by the total number of working days (excluding public holidays) and then by 8 hours.

FAQs

Q1. Do I need approval to work overtime?

No government approval is required, but employee consent is mandatory.

Q2. Are breaks included in working hours?

No, breaks are excluded from working time unless specified in the employment contract.

Q3. What happens if I work fewer than 8 hours in a day?

You are paid based on the hours worked, as long as it does not violate the minimum wage requirements.

Q4. Is work on public holidays mandatory?

No, work on public holidays is voluntary unless otherwise agreed in the employment contract.

Q5. How is overtime calculated for salaried employees?

Overtime is calculated based on the agreed hourly rate, prorated from the monthly salary.

Q6. What is the mandatory requirement for the employee being change the working shift

The employee must be notified of any change in the shift schedule at least 10 days in advance, unless this is impossible due to extreme operational necessity.

Rate Table for Common Scenarios

Key Notes

 - All compensation rates (e.g., overtime, night work) are subject to agreement between employer and employee.

 - Refer to the Organic Law of Georgia No 7177 (2020) for detailed legal provisions.

This guide is intended for informational purposes only. For specific legal advice, consult a qualified professional or refer to official legal resources.

Sources:

- Organic Law of Georgia No 7177 (2020), available at matsne.gov.ge.