Working hours and overtime
Also known as: work hours, overtime pay, maximum hours
Working hours regulations cap how many hours an employee can be required to work per day and per week, and define the premium pay rate (overtime) for hours worked beyond that cap.
Almost every labor code regulates working hours through some combination of three caps: a daily maximum (often 8 hours), a weekly maximum (often 40 or 48 hours), and a mandatory weekly rest period (typically 24-48 hours). Hours worked beyond the standard schedule trigger overtime obligations: either premium pay (commonly 1.25-2× the regular rate) or compensatory time off. The interaction between these rules and remote-work blurring is where most modern compliance gaps emerge.
Typical statutory caps
- Daily maximum: 8 hours standard, often extendable to 10-12 with consent
- Weekly maximum: 40 hours (US/Georgia) to 48 hours (UK / EU directive)
- Mandatory weekly rest: minimum 24 hours, often 48 hours
- Overtime premium: 1.25× to 2× the regular rate (varies by country and weekday vs weekend)
Frequently asked questions
How many hours is a standard work week in Georgia?
40 hours over 5 days. The daily cap is 8 hours, extendable with employee consent and overtime pay.
How much is overtime pay in Georgia?
Georgian Labor Code does not set a specific premium rate, but the rate must be defined in the contract or internal regulations and cannot be less than the regular hourly rate. Most employers pay 1.25-1.5× for weekday overtime and 2× for weekend / holiday work.
Can an employer require overtime?
Generally no — overtime requires employee consent in Georgia. Exceptions exist for emergencies (preventing accidents, natural disasters, force majeure).