Basic working conditions in Germany

Do you have aspirations to work abroad in Germany? Well, there are some guidelines which you are ought to know and ensure you strictly abide by the company rules and regulations. The rules are very strict on which each employee needs to adhere. Even a small mistake can cost you the job. It is scary, right? Well, we don’t intend to scare or discourage you. The lighter side of the coin is if you follow the company regulations, keep away from the company’s politics, and focus on your skills, you not only survive in the company but also rewarded for your work. After all, every organization wants a good employee and the desired results at the end of the day.  need to know your rights & responsibilities as an employee. Are you ready? Let’s go through some of the facts on working conditions 

Facts on Working condition in Germany

When you join a company, you need to know some of the facts on the working conditions. The German companies abide by the employment law

• Working Hours: The employment law regulates the working time in Germany and allows 48 hours per week from Monday to Saturday. Most of the companies work for 5 days a week. So, it is for you to choose the company as per your convenience.
• Overtime: Is extra pay concern for you if you happen to sit a little longer to complete a task? Well, it depends from one company to another. Though the law prohibits overtime, some of the companies do pay extra wages to the employees if they work for a little longer. 
• Health Insurance Coverage: The employees are entitled to receive 100% pay of their salary for sick leave for up to six weeks. The German National Health Insurance provides 80% of the compensation to the employees if the manpower does not exceed 30.
• Sick Leave: If the employee is ill for more than 6 weeks, the national health insurer provides the sickness allowance that amounts to 70% of their salary till the completion of 78 weeks. The situation gets worse when the employee has numerous health issues after reporting for the duty. The employee has to present the doctors’ certificate to the employer without giving any reasons
• Leave: Are you on a probation period and seeking for the holiday? Well, you can get it. However, you need to give an advance intimation to the employer. 
• Termination: Scared of losing a job? Yes, that is a threat to every employee. However, you need to know the norms. There are two types. One is summary dismissal and the other is the employee knows they are going to get terminated. 
• Vacation: Looking for a break or casual leave?  Well, every employee is eligible for a statutory claim for twenty working days under German labor and employment law. They are also eligible for four weeks’ vacation as per the calendar year. However, the tenured employees are eligible to get 25 to 30 days to break from work.
• Maternity Leave: Female employees are entitled to paid leaves in case they are on maternity leave, where the starting date is not later than 6 weeks before the delivery date, based on the mother’s and child’s health and goodwill of the woman. 

If you are staying in Germany, you can select the one which is best for you in terms of the pay package and work culture.