Working hours in Norway: How many hours Norwegians work

Norway has similar working time regulations to Germany. However, career is not the top priority – leisure time and family are just as important for many Scandinavians.

• The weekly working time for a full-time employee in Norway is 40 hours – the same as in Germany. However, there are also many employees who prefer part-time positions.
• In 2021, the average working time in Norway was therefore 33.9 hours per week, as determined by the Federal Statistical Office.
• The target of 40 hours is worked over five days a week and eight hours a day. However, many companies have core working hours that end at 3 p.m. This allows companies to show that they are family-friendly and means that no more meetings are scheduled after this time.
• Lunch breaks tend to be short and often consist of a small snack at the workplace. The proper meal is then eaten after work.
• Overtime is not expected in Norway and is not considered “good form.” Those who leave work on time spend time with family and friends and enjoy their work-life balance.