Introduction to the Time Tracking Law
Complete overview of the EU Working Time Directive and what it means for your business.
EU-wide enforcement from July 2024
Time Tracking Legal RequirementsWhat it means for your business
Following the 2019 ECJ ruling, EU member states now enforce mandatory time tracking from July 2024. Learn what this means for businesses operating in the EU and how to ensure compliance.
Specific Time Tracking Requirements
What does your company need to record to comply with the law?
System requirements
Your system must be objective, reliable and accessible
- • Daily working hours recorded for each employee
- • Employees can access their own records
- • Data stored for minimum 5 years
- • Labor authorities can request access
Working hours and rest
Compliance with 48-hour rule and rest periods
- • Max 48 hours weekly (4-month average)
- • 11 hours continuous daily rest
- • 24 hours continuous weekly rest
- • Standby time at work = working time
Documentation and control
Data retention and accessibility requirements
- • Minimum 5 years data retention
- • Work environment organization must have access
- • Disclosure to labor inspection authorities
Important exceptions
These groups have special rules:
- • Fixed schedule: Only register deviations
- • Self-schedulers: No registration requirement
- • Critical functions: Can work over 48 hours with consent
Does the Law Apply to Your Business?
The law is now in effect
Following the 2019 ECJ ruling, all EU member states must enforce time tracking requirements. From July 2024, this is actively enforced across the EU.
Important for SMBs
National labor authorities across the EU are conducting inspections. Fines vary by country but can reach up to €50,000. Ensure compliance to avoid sanctions.
Which companies are covered?
Requirements apply to all employers in EU member states - from large corporations to small businesses with just a few employees. Implementation details vary by country.
Covered companies
- All private companies
- Public institutions
- Associations with employees
Possible exceptions
- Self-employed without employees
- Certain senior employees
- Special collective agreements
How to Get Your Business Started
Four simple steps to comply with the law - even for small businesses
15 min
Check your current system
Start by looking at what you do now
Already have time tracking? Check if it meets the law
No system? You'll need to start fresh - but it's easy!
30 min
Choose a digital solution
Find a system that's easy to use
Try EasyHours free - it takes just 2 minutes to set up
Check if the solution fits your size and needs
1 hour
Get employees on board
Make it easy for everyone to start
Send an email with login info and simple guide
Hold a short meeting (15 min) to show the system
5 min/week
Keep it running
Make sure the system is being used
Weekly check that everyone has logged time
Export monthly reports for documentation
Fast track to compliance
With EasyHours, your company can be compliant in under 2 hours - from start to all employees up and running.
Start free todayConsequences and Benefits
Consequences of non-compliance
- Fines up to €50,000 per violation
- Orders from labor authorities
- Compensation claims from employees
Benefits of proper time tracking
- Protection against working time conflicts
- Better resource management and planning
- Increased employee satisfaction
Related Articles
Learn more about time tracking regulations and compliance
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