Kazakhstan’s labor regulations, as outlined in the Labour Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan (2015), provide clear guidelines for standard working hours, overtime, rest periods, and compensation for night and weekend shifts. These laws aim to protect employee rights and ensure a balanced work-life structure. Below is an overview of the key aspects related to working conditions in Kazakhstan.

Standard Working Hours

In Kazakhstan, the standard workweek is limited to 40 hours, typically spread over five days, with employees working 8 hours per day from Monday to Friday. This rule applies to the majority of workers in the country.

Exceptions for Specific Categories

   Employees aged 14-16 are limited to a workweek of no more than 24 hours.

   Employees aged 16-18 can work up to 36 hours per week.

   Those engaged in hazardous or physically demanding jobs are also restricted to a maximum of 36 hours per week.

Employers have the flexibility to implement staggered work schedules, where daily work hours may vary based on workload or specific days of the week. However, no single workday can exceed 11 hours, regardless of the schedule.

Overtime Regulations

According to Kazakhstan’s labor laws, overtime work refers to any work performed beyond the standard hours. The Labour Code imposes strict limits on daily overtime:

   2 hours per day for regular employees.

   1 hour per day for those in strenuous or hazardous work.

There is no set annual limit on overtime hours, but employers must ensure that daily limits are respected.

Overtime Compensation

Employers are required to pay employees for overtime at a rate of at least 1.5 times their standard hourly or daily wage. Some collective bargaining agreements or individual contracts may offer higher rates for overtime work.

Certain workers are legally exempt from overtime, including:

   Pregnant women (with documented proof).

   Employees under 18 years old.

   Disabled employees, unless medically cleared for overtime.

Employers must keep accurate records of all overtime worked and ensure timely compensation in compliance with the law.

Rest Periods and Breaks

The Labour Code ensures that employees receive adequate breaks and rest periods during and between shifts.

Daily Rest Breaks

Employees are entitled to rest and meal breaks during their workday:

   For shifts less than 8 hours, a break of at least 30 minutes is required.

   For shifts exceeding 8 hours, a break of at least 1 hour is mandatory.

The timing of these breaks is generally determined by collective agreements or company policies, ensuring they do not disrupt the overall workflow.

Rest Between Workdays

Workers must have a minimum of 12 uninterrupted hours of rest between the end of one workday and the beginning of the next.

Weekly Rest Days

Kazakhstan enforces a five-day workweek, where employees are guaranteed two consecutive rest days, one of which must be Sunday. For those on a six-day workweek, employees are entitled to at least one rest day, which must also include Sunday.

In cases where employees are unable to take designated breaks due to specific working conditions (e.g., continuous production), employers must provide appropriate rest and meal opportunities within the working hours.

Night Shift and Weekend Work

The Labour Code also covers regulations for night work and weekend shifts, ensuring that employees receive fair treatment and compensation for these work schedules.

Night Work

Night work is classified as any work performed between 10 PM and 6 AM. Certain groups are restricted from night work, including:

   Minors (under 18).

   Pregnant women (with medical documentation).

   Employees with disabilities, unless medically cleared.

Employees working night shifts must be compensated at a rate of 1.5 times their regular hourly wage. Higher rates may be established through collective agreements or employment contracts.

Weekend Work

When employees work on weekends, they are entitled to special compensation. The minimum pay for weekend work is double the regular rate. In some cases, employees may opt for compensatory time off instead of the extra pay, provided there’s an agreement with the employer.

If an employee works both night hours and weekend hours, separate compensation rules apply for each condition:

   Night work is paid at 1.5 times the regular rate.

   Weekend or public holiday work is paid at double the regular rate.

Employers must receive written consent from employees for weekend shifts, except in emergency situations. For night work, consent or agreement through collective bargaining is also necessary.

Conclusion

Kazakhstan’s labor regulations provide robust protections for employees regarding working hours, overtime, rest periods, and night and weekend work. With a standard 40-hour workweek and clear guidelines on overtime and compensation, the Labour Code of Kazakhstan aims to ensure fair and safe working conditions across the country. Employers are legally obligated to follow these guidelines and properly compensate employees for their time, ensuring a healthy balance between work and personal life.