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Turn working-time rules into schedules, recording systems and policies that work in day-to-day operations.
What we help you decide
Organise working time and hybrid work. We assess the relevant documents, explain the available routes and agree the scope of advice before taking further steps.
Hours, breaks and rest
German working-time law regulates maximum hours, rest periods and breaks, with specific exceptions and sector rules. Contractual hours and working-time protection are distinct: paying overtime does not automatically make an excessive schedule lawful. On-call duties, travel and multiple jobs need an individual assessment.
Records and remuneration
A time-recording system should reflect actual work and have a clear correction and approval process. Recording working time does not, by itself, prove every requirement of an overtime-pay claim. Check the contract, instructions, tolerance of additional work and the applicable evidential rules.
Hybrid arrangements
Define workplace, availability, equipment, expenses, health and safety, confidentiality and arrangements for changing the working model. Consider works council participation and data protection when selecting monitoring or time-recording software. Avoid promises that do not match the role or operational need.
Practical example
An international team schedules late evening calls after a full German working day. We assess the complete pattern of hours and rest, then help design a rota and recording process that supports collaboration without relying on informal exceptions.
Documents for an initial review
- Contracts and shift schedules
- Time records and overtime approvals
- Remote-work policy
- Works agreements and software specification
Related advice
Occupational health, safety and workplace reintegration · Pay, bonuses, equal pay and benefits · All employment law services · Discuss your matter
Legal sources
Reviewed: 8 November 2026. The application of these rules depends on the facts, the relevant documents and any applicable collective arrangements.