Managing working hours is a key responsibility for HR departments. In France, full-time employees generally work 35 hours per week, with hours exceeding this limit classified as overtime. These extra hours entitle employees to additional pay and, in some cases, compensatory rest. To ensure legal compliance, many companies rely on overtime management software, which helps track hours, manage compensation, and apply correct rules for rest periods.
Overtime refers to hours worked beyond the legal 35-hour workweek. These hours must be paid at a higher rate, but when they exceed a predefined annual quota, they also give the employee the right to compensatory rest.
The contingent of overtime hours is usually set at 220 hours per year, but this can vary according to collective agreements.
Compensatory rest allows employees to recover time off in exchange for overtime hours worked. It applies particularly during peak activity periods, such as year-end sales or trade fairs, but it may also be used in cases of night work or Sunday shifts.
The rest period is calculated based on the overtime pay rate:
Employees required to work on Sundays in certain sectors are entitled to compensatory rest within the following 6 days. This applies mainly to exceptional Sunday shifts and not to regular Sunday work covered by contract.
Unlike regular overtime pay, this compensatory rest does not automatically include financial compensation, unless stipulated by the company's collective agreement.
For employees whose contracts specify regular Sunday work, compensatory rest is generally not granted, unless provided for in a collective agreement. In some cases, companies offer extra pay or special allowances to compensate for these shifts.
Compensatory rest does not reduce the employee’s base salary. While taking the rest time, the employee's pay remains fully maintained.
The rest period also counts as actual working time, meaning it contributes to the calculation of:
Tracking and managing compensatory rest can become complex, especially in companies with fluctuating activity levels. A dedicated workforce management tool automates this process, ensuring that all overtime hours, rest entitlements, and payroll adjustments are handled accurately.
With overtime management software, HR teams can:
Many modern HR systems offer employee self-service portals, allowing workers to submit their requests for compensatory rest directly. This streamlined communication reduces administrative errors and improves overall workforce planning.
Managing overtime and compensatory rest correctly ensures companies comply with labour laws, maintain employee wellbeing, and prevent burnout. For HR teams, using the right tools makes balancing business needs with employee rights far easier.
With accurate time tracking and automated rest management, businesses can maintain operational flexibility while safeguarding employee rights. This helps build a healthier work environment and reduces the risk of disputes over overtime compensation.
