The Working Hours Act (ArbZG) regulates working time in Germany and protects employees from overload through excessive or unfavorable working hours.
Central Regulations
§3 Working Time:
- Maximum 8 hours per workday
- Extension to 10 hours possible
- Compensation within 6 months
§4 Rest Breaks:
- 30 minutes for 6-9 hours of work
- 45 minutes for more than 9 hours
- Division into 15-minute blocks possible
§5 Rest Period:
- At least 11 hours between end and start of work
§6 Night and Shift Work:
- Special protective regulations
- Occupational medical examinations
Relevance for Psychological Stress
Working time factors influencing psychological stress:
- Overtime: Chronic overload
- Shift work: Disruption of biorhythm
- Constant availability: No recovery
- Break design: Regeneration during work
- Work-life balance: Compatibility of work/private life
Assessment in GBU Psych
Psychological risk assessment should capture working time factors:
- Regular overtime
- Flexibility requirements
- Availability outside working hours
- Break opportunities in practice