In Spain, Working hours are regulated by the Workers' Statute, which states that The maximum legal workweek may not exceed 40 hours average actual working hours calculated on an annual basis. This means that, in general, Workers must not exceed this limit to maintain a reasonable workload and ensure a proper work-life balance.
What does the law say?
Spanish legislation regarding working hours is specific and aims to protect both workers' health and their right to rest. According to the Workers' Statute, The regular workday must not exceed 9 hours per day, provided that the weekly average, as already mentioned, do not exceed 40 hours on an annual basis.
This allows for some flexibility in spread out the work hours throughout the year, adapting to production and service needs without exceeding the established average.
- Rest between sessions
It is important to note that the law also regulates rest periods between workdays. There must be a 12-hour rest period between the end of one workday and the start of the next. This rest period is vital for workers to recover physically and mentally, contributing to their well-being and the prevention of workplace hazards.
- Breaks During the Workday
In addition, After a continuous 6-hour workday, you must take a break of at least 15 minutes. This break is essential for unwinding, reducing stress and accumulated fatigue, and thus maintaining an optimal level of focus and efficiency at work.
- Flexibility and Adaptability
The regulations allow for some flexibility in the organization of working hours, provided that the maximum limits and mandatory breaks are observed. Companies may, by agreement with employee representatives, distribute unevenly throughout the year up to 10% of the workday. This must be done while always observing the minimum daily and weekly rest periods.
Is it possible to have two 40-hour contracts in Spain?
In the Spanish workplace, the possibility of holding two employment contracts simultaneously is an issue that raises questions and requires a clear understanding of current legislation.
Moonlighting refers to a situation in which an employee works for more than one company. As a result, Spanish law does not expressly prohibit this practice, but it does establish certain limits and conditions to ensure workers' rights and compliance with tax and Social Security obligations.
40 hours per contract?
According to the Workers' Statute, the maximum workweek is 40 hours per contract. This means that, in theory, An employee could have two contracts, each for 40 hours., provided that certain conditions are met.
Conditions for Holding Multiple Jobs
To have two jobs legally The following is required:
- Verify that the current contract It does not prohibit having another job.
- Search for a a second job that is compatible with the first.
- Request Authorization to both companies, if necessary.
- Register with Social Security and the Tax Authority for the second job.
- Comply with the tax and social security obligations of both works.
Limitations and Breaks
Although there is no explicit limit on the total number of hours worked at both jobs, It is essential to observe the minimum rest periods. Workers must have at least 11 hours of rest between workdays and may not exceed the limit of 80 hours of overtime per year.
Practical Implications
In practice, Having two 40-hour-per-week contracts can be complicated. It is essential to keep in mind:
- Physical and Mental Ability to handle a workload of 80 hours per week.
- The schedule compatibility between the two jobs.
- The impact on quality of life and personal time.
How many hours a month do people work in Spain?
As we have already seen, according to the Workers' Statute, the maximum length of the workweek is 40 hours, which would amount to 160 hours per month. However, this figure may may vary depending on the applicable collective bargaining agreement or the type of contract that the employee has.
Types of Work Schedules
In Spain, there are different types of workdays:
- Full day: The most common one, with a 40-hour workweek.
- Part-time work: Fewer than 40 hours per week, with a schedule agreed upon between the employee and the company.
- Short workday: Due to personal or family circumstances, with a proportional reduction in salary.
Calculation of Monthly Hours
To calculate the number of hours worked per month, a month is considered to have approximately 21 business days. If you work a full day of 8 hours a day, this would result in 168 working hours per month (21 days × 8 hours = 168 hours).
Flexibility and a 4-day workweek
Recently, Some companies in Spain have begun experimenting with a 4-day workweek, maintaining productivity while giving employees an extra day for rest and leisure.
The 4-day workweek represents an innovative change in the labor market, seeking to improve workers' quality of life and increase companies' productivity. This model is not about cramming the usual 40-hour workweek into four days, but rather about reducing the workweek to 32 hours while maintaining full pay
References
BOE-A-2015-11430. Royal Legislative Decree 2/2015, of October 23, approving the consolidated text of the Workers’ Statute Act. Official State Gazette, No. 255, October 24, 2015. Retrieved April 3, 2024, from https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2015-11430
