Working hours in the wellness area

What most employees appreciate about working in the wellness area: As a masseur, sauna master and the like, you work in a calm and relaxing environment. However, to ensure that you and your colleagues can still relax after work, you need the right framework conditions. These include working time regulations. What is the maximum daily working time in the wellness area? What about hours worked on public holidays or at weekends?

We take a closer look at these topics in the magazine article.

As in many areas of the hotel and catering industry in Austria, working hours in the wellness sector are regulated by specific provisions in the collective agreement. In general, normal working hours are eight hours per day and 40 hours per week. In order to be able to react to seasonal fluctuations, there is the option of working time calculation. This means that in times of high guest numbers, employees can work more than 40 hours per week; the additional work is then compensated by additional time off in less stressful weeks.

One advantage in the wellness sector is the flexibility provided by the working time calculation. In the quieter months, you often have more days off, which offers a good opportunity to relax and recharge after intensive working hours.

Did you know? The new collective agreement has been in force since 1. November. And this also has a concrete impact on you. Instead of a 17-week calculation period, for example, the period has been increased to 26 weeks. Working hours outside the limits of the calculation period are considered overtime for part-time and full-time employees and are subject to a 50 percent premium.

By the way - don't forget: Always agree the calculation in writing!

In principle, you are entitled to twelve consecutive days off per year. In concrete terms, this means two consecutive days off. This can be a regular closing day/Sunday plus one day before or after. However, the entitlement expires if the hotel where you work has two closing days per week anyway, if you have two fixed days off per week (e.g. Monday and Tuesday) or if you have a fixed-term employment contract of up to 9 months.

Would you like some tips on how to find the best balance between working hours and days off? Then check out our blog post on "Work-life balance in the restaurant and hotel industry" and benefit from practical tips!

You have to work on a Sunday and it also happens to be a public holiday? Then you are entitled to public holiday pay.

Also interesting: If your employer organizes your days off in such a way that you have more than six public holidays off per year, you are entitled to an additional day off on the seventh. Sounds great, doesn't it?

According to the regulations, overtime in the wellness area is also paid in a regulated manner or compensated in the form of time off. For overtime worked at night, a night work bonus is also paid, which is particularly beneficial in wellness hotels, which often also offer wellness programs in the evening.

Those who work in the wellness sector benefit from a calm and pleasant atmosphere as well as flexible working hours. Thanks to the various bonuses and regulations for overtime, weekend work and public holidays, work in the wellness area is not only varied, but also fairly remunerated. Find out about further benefits in the current collective agreement.

Fancy a job that combines relaxation and professional fulfillment? Then browse through our current vacancies in the wellness sector and find your next challenge with one of our top employers!