Seeking Clarity on Working Hours and Overtime Rules in HR: Can You Help?

Hi Seniors,

I have 9 years of experience in the HR domain, and I have handled HR Generalist roles, including payroll, recruitment, employee engagement, etc. However, I feel that my knowledge is lacking in some areas. For me, CiteHR is a platform to learn and self-develop. I will be posting my queries regularly to clear my doubts and upgrade my knowledge. My first query is related to working hours as per the Labour Act.

Working Hours:

General Shift:

1) 8 hours in a day & 48 hours in a week (6 days working)
a) Lunch Break - 30 min after 4 hours

2) 9 hours in a day & 48 hours in a week (5 days working)
a) Lunch Break - 30 min after 5 hours

Please check the above-mentioned details and correct me if I'm wrong.

Overtime:

Q1. What is the maximum number of hours allowed per day?

Q2. If an employee works half an hour extra than his original timing, will overtime be implemented in that case, or should the employee work for at least one hour extra?

I also need help if anyone can share HR notes, any website URL, or any certification course to upgrade my knowledge.
**Location**: Kolkata, India

In India, under the Labour Act, the standard working hours are typically 8 hours a day and 48 hours a week for a 6-day work schedule. For a 5-day work schedule, it can be extended to 9 hours a day. As per the regulations, the maximum number of hours allowed per day, including overtime, is usually 9 hours. However, it is essential to refer to the specific labor laws applicable in Kolkata, India, for precise details regarding working hour limitations.

Regarding overtime calculations, if an employee works even half an hour beyond their regular shift timing, it may not necessarily trigger overtime pay. Generally, overtime is counted when an employee exceeds the stipulated working hours by a full hour or more. However, this can vary based on the company's policies and the labor laws applicable in the region. It is advisable to review the specific regulations in Kolkata, India, to determine the exact criteria for overtime eligibility in that location.

To enhance your HR knowledge and skills, you can explore reputable websites like the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) https://www.shrm.org/ for valuable resources, attend relevant certification courses, or consider joining professional HR networks for continuous learning and development. Keep engaging with platforms like CiteHR to stay updated on industry best practices and regulations, contributing to your professional growth in the HR domain.