What are the standard working hours in Greece?

In Greece, standard working hours are defined as follows:

• For businesses operating on a 5-day work week, the standard is 40 hours per week, with a maximum of 8 hours per day.
• For businesses operating on a 6-day work week, such as retail shops, the standard is 48 hours per week, with a maximum of 8 hours per day.

Additionally, employees working a 40-hour week may work up to 5 additional hours per week at the employer's discretion. These extra hours are compensated at a rate 20% higher than the normal hourly rate and do not constitute overtime.

Is overtime governed by law in Greece? If so, what are the specifics outlined by law?

In Greece, overtime is governed by law, and specific rules are established for its application:

• Employees working more than 45 hours per week in a 5-day working week or 48 hours per week in a 6-day working week are performing overtime. Under the new legal framework, up to 4 hours of lawful overtime are allowed per day.
• Overtime of up to 4 hours per day, with a total maximum of 150 hours per year, entitles employees to remuneration equal to their hourly wage plus 40%.
• An additional hour of work per day beyond the standard 8-hour workday is considered overwork and is compensated at a rate of 20% above the regular hourly wage.
• Daily working hours must not exceed 11 hours, meaning that the total daily working time, including overtime, may not exceed 13 hours.

How is overtime payment calculated in Greece?

In Greece, the calculation of overtime payment is structured as follows:

• Overwork: Defined as 1 additional hour per day up to 5 hours per week. This is compensated at the hourly wage increased by 20%.
• Lawful Overtime: Work beyond 45 hours per week on a 5-day working week. This overtime is paid at the hourly wage increased by 40%.
• Illegal Overtime: Any overtime exceeding the above limits and not fulfilling legal requirements. This is paid at the hourly wage increased by 120%.

What are the eligibility rules for time off in lieu in Greece?

In Greece, compensatory time off instead of overtime payment is not permitted. Thus, employees who work overtime are not eligible to receive time off in lieu of overtime pay.

How many days before the actual start date should the employment agreement be signed for payroll purposes in Greece?

In Greece, the employment agreement should be signed at least 2 days before the actual start date. Employers must file a standardized form called "Ε3" to the e-platform ERGANI to announce the hiring before the employee commences work. Additionally, to ensure the start date remains within the same month, the supported employee must sign before the payroll cut-off date. If the signing occurs after this cut-off, the start date will be postponed to the following month, as backdating employment agreements is not allowed in Greece.

Can employment agreements be backdated in Greece?

No, employment agreements may not be backdated in Greece. Employers are required to file a standardized form called "E3" on the e-platform ERGANI, announcing the hiring prior to the commencement of work by the employee.