Point of this article..
- Types of working hours in startups, such as fixed shift, rotating shift, and remote working, can greatly affect work-life balance.
- Labor laws in Indonesia regulate working hours to ensure employee welfare and legal compliance.
- Properly calculating working hours is crucial for legal compliance and managing productivity.
Ever wondered how startups manage their employees’ working hours? Find out about different types of working hours, relevant regulations, and how to calculate them here!
The startup world is known for its flexibility and innovation, especially when it comes to work hours. However, it’s crucial for both employees and employers to understand the different types of working hours, the regulations governing them, and how to properly calculate working hours in accordance with the law. This article will provide a complete guide on this topic.
Definition Working Hours
Working hours refer to the period during which an employee is expected to perform their job duties. Shifts, on the other hand, are divisions of work hours into specific periods during the day, allowing companies to operate 24/7 or according to their needs.
In startups, the working hour system varies depending on the industry and the flexibility required to support the company’s fast growth. Some startups may adopt flexible hours or remote work systems, while others rely on shift systems to ensure smooth operations.
Labor Laws on Working Hours in Indonesia
In Indonesia, working hours are regulated by Law No. 13 of 2003 on Manpower, which was later updated by Law No. 11 of 2020 on Job Creation. According to these regulations, there are two types of work schedules:
- 6 Working Days Per Week: 7 hours per day or 40 hours per week.
- 5 Working Days Per Week: 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week.
Any work beyond these limits is considered overtime and must be compensated accordingly. Understanding these rules ensures employee welfare and helps companies stay compliant with the law.
How to Calculate Working Hours
Properly calculating working hours is important for legal compliance and effective productivity management. Here’s how to calculate working hours:
- Determine the Work Schedule: Is the company following a 5-day or 6-day work week?
- Calculate Weekly Working Hours: Based on the chosen schedule, total working hours per week is 40 hours.
- Calculate Monthly Working Hours: Assuming 4 weeks in a month, total monthly working hours is 160 hours.
- Consider Holidays and Leave: Subtract hours for national holidays and employee leave.
Any hours worked beyond the daily or weekly limit should be considered overtime and compensated at the overtime rate as per regulations.
Types of Working Hours in Startups
Every startup has unique operational needs, which influence how they organize working hours. Here are some common types of working hours implemented in startups, each with its own characteristics and challenges.
1. Fixed Shift
A fixed shift is a set schedule where employees work the same hours every day, such as 9 AM to 5 PM. This model is often used in administrative or operational roles that require a consistent routine. Fixed shifts offer stability for employees, as they know exactly when they are working and when they are off. However, the drawback is a lack of flexibility for those who need varying hours throughout the day.
2. Rotating Shift
A rotating shift involves changing work hours on a regular basis, such as rotating between morning, afternoon, or night shifts. This system is often used in companies that need to operate 24/7, like call centers or customer service departments. While it ensures continuous operation, employees may experience fatigue from constantly adjusting to different work hours. Rotating shifts can disrupt sleep patterns and affect overall health.
3. Split Shift
A split shift divides an employee’s workday into two separate periods, with a long break in between. For example, an employee may work from 7 AM to 12 PM and then return for another shift from 4 PM to 9 PM. This is common in service industries or transportation, where work needs to be done at specific times. The advantage of split shifts is that they provide flexibility, but the downside is that employees often work longer hours with a long break in the middle, which can lead to physical and mental fatigue.
4. Weekday and/or Weekend Shift
Some startups organize work schedules for weekdays (Monday to Friday) or weekends (Saturday and Sunday), depending on operational needs. This type of shift is often seen in companies that are more active during the weekend, such as event planners or delivery services. Weekday and weekend shifts offer flexibility for employees who prefer working outside the typical 9-to-5 schedule. However, working weekends can affect employees’ social life and time with family and friends.
5. Flexible Shift
A flexible shift allows employees to choose their working hours within a specified range, as long as they meet the target work hours for the week. For example, employees can work anytime between 7 AM and 10 PM, as long as their total work hours meet the agreed weekly total. This model is popular in startups focused on results or output, such as software development or creative design. The advantage of flexibility is that employees can manage their time around personal needs, but they must still meet deadlines and targets set by the company.
6. Remote Working and/or Work from Home (WFH)
Remote working, or work from home (WFH), is a work arrangement that allows employees to work from home or another location instead of the office. This type of working hour system became more popular after the COVID-19 pandemic, and many startups now offer this option to provide flexibility. Remote working allows employees to avoid long commutes and better balance work with personal life. However, the main challenge is the lack of face-to-face interaction, which can impact team dynamics and company culture.
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of working hours implemented in startups is essential for both employees and employers. Whether it’s a fixed shift, rotating shift, flexible hours, or remote working, each system has its own advantages and challenges. By understanding these types, companies can select the best system to meet their operational needs, while employees can better manage their work-life balance. It’s important to always consider labor laws when organizing working hours to ensure employee welfare and legal compliance.
FAQ
- What is a flexible work schedule in startups?
A flexible work schedule allows employees to choose their own working hours as long as they meet the agreed work target, offering flexibility around their personal lives. - How are working hours regulated by law in Indonesia?
Working hours in Indonesia are regulated to be 7 hours per day for a 6-day workweek or 8 hours per day for a 5-day workweek, with a total of 40 hours per week. - What is shift work, and how is it applied?
Shift work divides work hours into several periods during the day, allowing a company to operate 24/7 or according to specific needs, such as in customer service or manufacturing. - How is overtime calculated?
Any work done beyond the daily or weekly limit is considered overtime and must be compensated at the appropriate overtime rate according to the labor laws. - What are the benefits of remote working in startups?
Remote working offers employees flexibility to work from home, saving commuting time and allowing a better work-life balance, though it may affect team collaboration and company culture.