Overarbejde

What is Overarbejde?

Overarbejde, or overtime work, is defined as any work performed beyond the normal working hours stipulated in an employment contract. In Denmark, this typically means any hours worked over 37 hours per week for full-time employees. Understanding overarbejde is essential for expatriates navigating the Danish work culture, which places a strong emphasis on work-life balance.

How does it work?

In Denmark, labor laws governing overarbejde are primarily outlined in employment contracts and collective agreements. Employees are entitled to additional pay or time off for overtime hours worked. For example, many agreements stipulate a 50% increase in pay for the first three hours of overtime and 100% thereafter. Employers must also provide reasonable notice before requiring employees to work overtime.

Common rules or requirements

• Employees can refuse overtime if they have valid reasons, such as personal obligations.
• Compensation for overtime is typically higher than the regular hourly wage.

Example

Imagine you are an expat working in a Danish company. If you are asked to work 45 hours in a week, the first 37 hours are regular hours, while the additional 8 hours are considered overarbejde. Depending on your collective agreement, you might receive 50% extra pay for the first 3 hours of overtime and 100% for the remaining 5 hours.