Averaging Norwegian Working Hours

Averaging Norwegian Working Hours

How do flexible working hours work in Norway? Learn the limits for averaging working hours, weekly caps, and compliance rules under the Working Environment Act.

Under the Norwegian Working Environment Act (Arbeidsmiljøloven), normal working hours are set at 40 hours per 7 days.

However, Norwegian labor law offers a solution: the average calculation of working hours. This framework allows employees to work longer hours during busy periods in exchange for shorter hours during quieter weeks.

Let's break down exactly how to structure an averaging agreement legally and safely.

The 12-Month Baseline Limit 
You can establish an averaging period of up to 12 months. Even if certain weeks are much longer, the total average over the agreed 12-month period must not exceed 40 hours per 7 days.

Weekly and Daily Limits for Flexible Schedules 
While averaging gives you flexibility, you cannot schedule an infinite number of hours in a single week. To protect employee health and safety, the law sets strict boundaries.

When calculating hours over an averaging period of up to 8 weeks, the schedule must meet three absolute criteria:

  • The 8-Week Average: The average weekly working time must not exceed 48 hours.
  • The Maximum per Week: No single week is allowed to exceed 50 hours.
  • The Maximum per Day: No single day is allowed to exceed 10 hours.

Practical Example: How the 8-Week Average Works
To visualize how this plays out in a real workplace, let's look at a compliant 8-week shift rotation: 

  • Weeks 1 to 4: The employee works 50 hours per week (Busy season / peak project phase).
  • Weeks 5 to 8: The employee works 36 hours per week (Quiet period / time off).

Dividing the total 344 hours by 8 weeks gives an average of 43 hours per week.

Why is this compliant?

  1. The 8-week average (43 hours) is well under the 48-hour limit
  2. No individual week went over the 50-hour cap.
  3. Provided the employee's overall 12-month average stays at or below 40 hours per week, this arrangement is fully legal.

The Golden Rule: Rest Periods Still Apply
It is crucial to remember that averaging working hours does not override fundamental worker protections. Mandatory breaks, daily rest requirements, and weekly rest requirements must always be respected, no matter how your schedule is averaged.

 

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