Working Hours

A Working Hours policy defines employees' expected schedules, start and end times, breaks and meal periods, timekeeping and overtime approval rules, and how schedule changes are communicated, while accounting for state and local requirements that may require a custom approach.

How to Write a Working Hours Policy

• Start with "why" and introduce the concept.
• State the expectation that employees follow their assigned start and end times.
• Describe your organization's typical business hours as a general reference point.
• Clarify that actual working hours can vary by role or team.
• Explain who confirms an employee's regular schedule and communicates changes.
• Address how schedule adjustments will be communicated.

For advice on writing a Working Hours policy in a specific jurisdiction, see below.