For many parents juggling work and family life, knowing your rights around work hours, overtime, and rest days is essential. Whether you’re balancing school drop-offs, mealtime chaos, or bedtime stories, understanding your entitlements can make a difference in how you manage your time and energy.
Who Is Covered Under the Employment Act?
If you’re covered under Part IV of Singapore’s Employment Act, your work hours, breaks, overtime pay, and rest days are regulated. This applies to non-managerial or executive roles. Managers and executives are not included under this coverage, so your employment contract would dictate your terms.
For those covered, this guide helps you navigate your rights and responsibilities.
Key Terms to Know
- Week: A 7-day period from Monday to Sunday.
- Hours of Work: Time spent on assigned duties, excluding meal or rest breaks.
Remember, employers aren’t required to pay for your meal or rest times.
Breaks and Work Hours: The Essentials
As a parent, breaks can mean the difference between functioning and flourishing. Here’s what you need to know:
- Breaks: You shouldn’t work more than 6 consecutive hours without a break. For continuous work up to 8 hours, breaks of at least 45 minutes must be provided.
- Contractual Hours:
- 5 days or less per week: Maximum of 9 hours per day or 44 hours a week.
- More than 5 days per week: Maximum of 8 hours per day or 44 hours a week.
For alternative work arrangements, the average weekly work hours must not exceed 44 hours over a specified period.
Overtime Pay: Know Your Worth
Parenting doesn’t pay overtime, but your job should! For those eligible, overtime pay applies to work done beyond normal hours.
- Eligibility:
- Non-workmen earning $2,600 or less per month.
- Workmen earning $4,500 or less per month.
- Calculation:
- Overtime pay = Hourly basic rate × 1.5 × Hours worked overtime.
For example, if you earn $2,600 monthly and work 2 extra hours, your overtime pay would be $40.80. Employers must pay overtime within 14 days of the salary period.
Image Source: iStock
Rest Days: Recharge and Reset
Rest days are crucial for parents to spend quality time with their kids or simply recharge.
- You’re entitled to 1 rest day per week. This can be any day of the week, determined by your employer.
- A rest day lasts 24 hours from midnight to midnight or can be 30 continuous hours for shift workers.
- Employers cannot compel you to work on a rest day, except in exceptional circumstances.
Why These Guidelines Matter for Parents
Understanding these regulations ensures you have time for what matters most—your family. Whether it’s attending your child’s school performance or just catching up on much-needed rest, knowing your entitlements allows you to set boundaries at work.
If you’re ever unsure about your rights or need help with overtime or rest day disputes, don’t hesitate to seek advice. Parenthood is already a full-time job; your work hours should support, not hinder, your ability to juggle both.
By keeping these points in mind, you can navigate your work-life balance more confidently and ensure your family time stays a top priority.
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