In Jordan, the standard workweek for most employees is 48 hours. This maximum is legally stipulated and forms the basis for employment contracts across various sectors.
Standard Working Hours in Jordan
Jordan's labor laws establish clear guidelines for working hours, balancing employee welfare with business operational needs. The legislation sets a cap for both daily and weekly work durations.
The standard legal framework dictates:
- A maximum of 8 hours per day.
- A maximum of 48 hours per week.
While many administrative and office-based roles commonly operate from Sunday to Thursday, totaling approximately 40 hours per week, the legal standard allows for up to 48 hours. This often translates to a six-day workweek in many industries to meet the 48-hour limit while adhering to the daily 8-hour cap. For instance, a common schedule might be 8 hours a day for six days.
Key Aspects of Working Hours
Understanding the standard hours involves considering various related provisions:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Daily Limit | 8 hours is the typical maximum for a single workday. |
| Weekly Limit | 48 hours is the maximum standard workweek. Hours exceeding this are generally considered overtime. |
| Typical Workdays | Sunday to Thursday is common for many office and administrative roles. However, to reach 48 hours, some sectors may operate for six days a week. |
| Breaks | Employees are typically entitled to a break of at least 30 minutes, which is usually not included in working hours. |
| Rest Day | Workers are legally entitled to one full rest day per week, often Friday. |
Overtime Regulations
Any hours worked beyond the standard 48 hours per week are classified as overtime and are subject to specific compensation rates as mandated by Jordanian labor law.
- Standard Overtime: Hours worked beyond the regular schedule on normal working days are typically compensated at 125% of the regular hourly wage.
- Night Work/Holidays: Overtime worked during night shifts, weekly rest days, or public holidays often commands a higher rate, such as 150% of the regular hourly wage.
- Consent: Overtime work usually requires the employee's consent, and there are limits on the total amount of overtime that can be performed to prevent excessive working hours.
Variations and Sector-Specific Practices
While 48 hours is the standard maximum, actual working patterns can vary significantly depending on the industry, company policy, and specific job roles:
- Industry Differences: Sectors like healthcare, retail, security, and manufacturing may have different shift patterns or operational hours that align with the 48-hour weekly limit but might not strictly adhere to the Sunday-Thursday schedule or a fixed 8-hour daily routine.
- Flexible Arrangements: Some employers may offer more flexible working arrangements, such as compressed workweeks or part-time options, provided they comply with the overall legal limits on hours and compensation.
- Collective Agreements: In some cases, collective bargaining agreements between employers and unions might establish different working conditions, which must still meet or exceed the minimum standards set by the labor law.
For further details on hiring and employment regulations in Jordan, you can consult comprehensive guides provided by international human resources platforms such as Guide to Hiring Employees in Jordan [2025] - Playroll.
