Calculation of average working hours

Agreement between employee and employer

For a period of up to one year, working hours can be distributed so that workers may work up to:

• 10 hours per 24-hour period
• 48 hours per 7-day period

The limit of 48 hours can be calculated as an average over a period of 8 weeks. However, normal weekly working hours must not exceed 50 hours.

The agreement must be made in writing.

The period average must not exceed the limits on normal working hours defined by law.

Agreement between employer and employee representative(s)

Agreement between employer and employee representative(s) in enterprises bound by a collective agreement: For a period of up to one year, working hours can be distributed so that workers may work up to:

• 12.5 hours per 24-hour period
• 48 hours per 7-day period

The limit of 48 hours can be calculated as an average over a period of 8 weeks. However, normal weekly working hours must not exceed 54 hours.

Upon establishing agreements where daily working hours exceed 10 hours, particular consideration shall be paid to worker health and welfare.

The period average must not exceed the limits on normal working hours defined by law.

Apply for permit to apply calculations of average working hours from the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority

Enterprises organising working hours by calculating averages with no other agreements regulating such practices, may apply to the Labour Inspection Authority for permission to do so.

Apply for permission to use calculated averages of working hours (Norwegian)

For a period of up to 26 weeks, working hours can be distributed so that workers may work up to:

• 13 hours per 24-hour period
• 48 hours per 7-day period, or an average of 48 hours over a period of 8 weeks

The period average must not exceed the limits on normal working hours defined by law.

The arrangement of working hours must first be discussed with employee representatives, and minutes from these discussions must be included with the application. The Labour Inspection Authority will only grant permission if we find the arrangement of working hours to be sound and reasonable considering the workers’ health and welfare.

The calculation of averages is regulated by Section 10-5 of the Working Environment Act.

Applications that deviate from the requirements concerning time off and 13-hour workdays

Applications for permission to use calculated averages deviating from the requirements concerning time off and 13-hour workdays may be granted for enterprises in the health and care services, as well as security and surveillance services, on certain conditions. See Section 10-12 (7) of the Working Environment Act. and additional information about such applications:

Applications that deviate from the requirements concerning time off and 13-hour workdays (Norwegian)

Agreements with trade unions with nomination rights

Trade unions with nomination rights pursuant to the Labour Disputes Act or Public Service Disputes Act have broad authority to establish collective agreements departing from the limits described above, see Section 10-12 (4) of the Working Environment Act. One condition is that the arrangement must be deemed sound in terms of health and safety considerations.