Working Hours Act: Planned reform aims to increase flexibility

The German Government is planning a reform of the Working Hours Act that will place greater emphasis on weekly rather than daily working hours. In future, a maximum weekly working time of 48 hours will apply. This would allow employees to work longer on individual days, provided that their working hours are balanced out accordingly over the course of the week.

At the same time, electronic recording of working hours is to become a legal requirement. The aim is to document compliance with working hours more transparently and to prevent unpaid overtime. Statutory rest periods and the prescribed break regulations will remain unchanged.

The planned reform is particularly relevant for event agencies, caterers and businesses in the catering and hospitality sectors. The greater flexibility could simplify staff planning for multi-day events; at the same time, however, the requirements for digital and legally compliant time recording will increase.