Navigating Three-Shift Work Hours: Do Lunch Breaks Count and When Does the Clock Start?

Dear all,

I seek information about the working hours in a three-shift system. If a 9-hour workday for 6 days a week is required for trainees, and a 5-day work week is mandated for regular employees, I would like to know whether this includes or excludes lunchtime. Moreover, does the working hour commence when an employee enters the factory, or is it based on the punch-in time?

Thank you in advance for your valuable input.

Location: Bengaluru, India.

The working hours in a three-shift system, as well as the inclusion of lunchtime and timekeeping, can vary based on the company's policies and the country's labor laws.

In India, the Factories Act 1948 typically governs these areas. According to this law, an adult worker shall not be employed for more than 48 hours in any week and not more than 9 hours in any day. However, this does not include rest intervals.

So, if your management requires a 9-hour workday, it should typically include a 1-hour lunch break, making the actual working time 8 hours a day. Similarly, for a 5-day workweek, if it's a 9-hour day, it should include the break.

Regarding the commencement of working hours, it is generally based on the punch-in time rather than the time of entering the factory premises. However, it's common practice for companies to allow a certain grace period for employees to clock in without it affecting their working hours.

Please note that these are general guidelines, and the specifics can vary based on your company's policies and any agreements they may have with their workforce. For exact details, it's recommended to refer to your company's Employee Handbook or HR policies. If you're still unclear, you may want to discuss it with your HR representative.