What You Need to Know About Working Hours and Overtime in Hong Kong
Hong Kong maintains a simple and laissez-faire labor policy regime with relatively few rules. Nevertheless, Hong Kong authorities are vocal in their official support for workers rights and their importance in the context of a robust Hong Kong economy.
Additionally, the few rules that do exist are rigorously enforced. Businesses navigating Hong Kong’s labor laws should be aware that nearly all labor rules are spelled out in the Employment Ordinance and are enforced by the Labor Department.
While the Labor Department regulates issues like rest days, ensures statutory holidays and annual leave, Hong Kong’s Employment Ordinance does not provide statutory requirements for work hours or overtime.
It is generally accepted that the lax regulatory system contributes to the operational flexibility of businesses as well as the efficiency and fluidity, of the Hong Kong labor market. Though controversial within Hong Kong, this logic has prevented the adoption of a statutory standard for working hours and overtime. In 2010, the Hong Kong government underwent some minimal progress toward developing a working hours system to protect employees. Nonetheless, there is still no statutory maximum number of working hours specified for different types of employees. There is also no overtime maximum. The negotiation of working hours, overtime, and overtime payment terms are left to the employer and employee.
Labor Contract: Before the contract begins, employers and employees must negotiate the work hours and overtime conditions of the position and write them clearly into the contract. Employers are obligated to obey the terms of the contract or will be subject to a fine issued by the Labor Department.
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Working Hours in Hong Kong
There is no statutory standard working hour system, as well as no statutory maximum number of hours. However, despite, not stipulating requirements for work hours or overtime, the Employment Ordinance sets clear requirements for rest days, wage protection, maternity protection, protection against anti-union discrimination, statutory paid holidays, annual leave, sick leave, and severance payment. Additionally, working hours are regulated for people under 18 years of age and for workers in several professions.
As the Hong Kong Labor Department’s policy puts decision-making on these matters in the hands of the employers and employees, most companies consider the market in determining the best approach for negotiating terms of their labor contracts. In 2011, the average number of working hours in a week was 47 (median; 46).
According to a 2011 study conducted by the Labor Department:
- About one-quarter of Hong Kong employees worked overtime, as defined by their contract.
- About one-half of these employees were compensated for their overtime hours.
- According to the same study, lower-skilled and lower-paid workers in labor-intensive industries are much more likely to be paid for their overtime work.
- High-skilled workers in high-value added industries were much less likely to be compensated for overtime.
Working Hours for Children
The law governing working hours for minors is the clear exception to the laissez-faire attitude towards working hours in Hong Kong. An employer convicted of violating any of these rules will face a fine between USD 10,000 and USD 50,000. The system provides different working hour rules for young persons between the age of 15 and 18, children between 13 and 15 years of age, and children under 13 years of age.
Employment of Young Persons (Ages 15 - 18)
- May not work before 7am or after 7pm
- Period of employment (work plus break) may not exceed 10 hours per day
- May not work more than 8 hours in a day
- May not work more than 48 hours in a week
- May not work for more than 5 hours continuously without a break of no less than half an hour
Employment of Children Between 13 and 15 Years of Age
- May not be employed before 7am or after 7pm
- Period of employment (work plus breaks) may not exceed 8 hours in a day
- May not work for more than 5 hours continuously without a break of one hour
Employment of Children Under 13 Years of Age
- May never work during school hours
- During the school term, may not work for more than 2 hours on any school day or more than 4 hours on non-school days
- Outside of the school term, period of employment may not exceed 8 hours per day (work plus breaks) and may not work for more than 5 hours continuously without a break of no less than one hour
Check Our Hong Kong Labor Law Guide
Learn how the Hong Kong law is applied in all aspects and situations, from an employer and employee perspective
Hong Kong: Occupation Specific Working Hours Rules
Security Personnel
Security personnel must not work more than 372 hours per month and must not work more than 12 hours in a day.
Bus Drivers
- After 6 hours of work, bus drivers must take a 30 minute break
- Within a 6 hour shift, bus drivers must take a total of 20 minutes of break time. At least 12 of those minutes should occur within the first 4 hours
- Total duty (including all rest time) may not exceed 14 hours in a working day
- Total duty less rest time may not exceed 11 hours in a working day
- The gap between successive working days must be at least 10 hours
Overtime in Hong Kong
Hong Kong labor law does not set specific requirements regarding overtime work including any requirements to pay for overtime work.
However, the law states that if the employment contract provides payment for overtime work, the employer is legally obligated to provide such wages and will be subject to a fine for withholding wages. Overtime payment is treated the same as regular wages and is protected from defaults.
Additionally, when determining entitlements, any overtime pay offered should be included in the calculation.
Considerations for Businesses
While many businesses see an advantage in Hong Kong’s remarkably laissez-faire rules covering working hours and overtime, the highly-competitive market ensures that businesses must offer fair working hour terms and overtime conditions or else they will be unable to find and maintain high-quality help.
Operational Effectiveness and Flexibility
Without statutory standard working hours, businesses may more easily adjust to production needs. This helps to foster a large base of small and medium sized enterprises, which make up 98% of Hong Kong’s economy.
How INS Global Can Help You
Following the necessary labor laws required by Hong Kong can be simplified by working with an experience PEO provider like INS Global.
Contact us today to learn more.
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