Overtime hours refer to any hours worked beyond the legal weekly working hours set by French labour law. In cases of urgent projects, unexpected events, or seasonal peaks, employers may ask their staff to work overtime. However, employers must follow strict legal guidelines that define overtime, including mandatory pay increases and minimum rest periods. To simplify scheduling and compliance, many companies rely on overtime management software, which helps automate planning and ensures correct calculations.
According to French labour law, overtime refers to any hours worked beyond the legal 35-hour workweek. Overtime work can only be carried out at the employer’s request or with their explicit approval.
Employers can specify the possibility of working overtime directly in employment contracts. In industries where workload fluctuates regularly, employers are entitled to request overtime work during peak periods. However, companies must clearly define the terms and conditions of overtime work, both in contracts and internal policies, while ensuring compliance with the Labour Code and any applicable collective agreements.
Transparency regarding overtime expectations helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures employees are fully aware of their obligations from the start of their employment.
French law requires employers to pay a premium for overtime work. This is intended to compensate employees fairly and to discourage excessive reliance on overtime.
The legal pay rates for overtime are:
Some collective agreements may set higher rates, so companies should check industry-specific rules.
To protect employee health and work-life balance, overtime work must respect strict limits:
Overtime cannot become systematic. It should be occasional and justified by business needs. Employers must also adhere to the legal working time limits set out in the Labour Code and sector-specific agreements.
Overtime work must also respect employees’ right to daily and weekly rest periods. French labour law requires:
Employees cannot work more than 6 days per week, even with overtime.
For employers, overtime helps cover staffing shortages and maintain productivity during busy periods. For employees, it offers an opportunity to earn extra income, provided their rights are respected.
By clearly defining overtime rules in contracts, companies promote transparency and foster better understanding between management and staff.
Given the complexity of tracking hours, calculating premiums, and ensuring legal compliance, companies increasingly turn to overtime management software. These tools automatically:
This automated approach helps avoid calculation errors, ensures compliance with legal obligations, and improves workforce planning across the organisation.
