Working time records in Austria: What must be recorded and who is responsible?

In Austria, employers must keep working time records (Arbeitszeitaufzeichnungen) for most employees. These records are not only required for official checks: they also help prove overtime and rest periods. This article summarises the rules in 2026 and explains your rights concerning your own records.

At a glance

• The employer is always responsible for keeping working time records, even when you record your own hours.
• The start and end of working time, as well as the start and end of rest breaks, must be recorded.
• You can request your own records free of charge once a month.
• Records generally have to be kept for one year, or 24 months for vehicle drivers.
• Compliance is checked by the labour inspectorate (Arbeitsinspektion), and breaches are punishable.

Who is covered by the working time record rules?

Every business employing a person covered by one of the following laws must keep records:

• Working Time Act (Arbeitszeitgesetz, AZG)
• Hospital Working Time Act (Krankenanstalten-Arbeitszeitgesetz)
• Bakery Workers Act (Bäckereiarbeiter/innengesetz)
• Employment of Children and Young People Act (Kinder- und Jugendlichen-Beschäftigungsgesetz)

Separate records must be kept of work performed during weekend and public-holiday rest periods for employees covered by the Rest Periods Act (Arbeitsruhegesetz).

What must be recorded?

The employer must record the start and end of working time for every employee. In addition to daily working time, the records must show:

• weekly working time,
• daily rest periods,
• weekly rest periods.

The start and end of breaks (Ruhepausen) must also be recorded. If you work during a weekly rest period, compensatory rest (Ersatzruhe) or a public-holiday rest period, the place, duration and type of work must also be documented.

For flexible working time (Gleitzeit) or an averaging period (Durchrechnung), the start and duration of the period must also be documented.

When there is a fixed work schedule

If your working hours are fixed and specified in writing, the employer does not have to keep separate records. It is sufficient to prove, at least at the end of each pay period and when requested by the labour inspectorate, that the schedule was followed. Any deviations from the schedule must nevertheless be recorded continuously.

Who is responsible if you record your own hours?

An employer may ask an employee to keep their own working time records. The employer remains responsible for compliance with the rules and for the records themselves. In this situation, the employer must:

1. give instructions on how to record working time correctly,
2. request the records,
3. check the records.

When can you request your own records?

Once a month, you have the right to ask your employer to send you your working time records free of charge.

If you work under a flexible working time system and the records are kept by a time-recording system (Zeiterfassungssystem), you must receive a copy on request or be given access to inspect the records.

The employer must also provide information to the labour inspectorate, allow access to the records or send copies when requested.

When do breaks not have to be recorded individually?

The employer may conclude a works agreement (Betriebsvereinbarung) with the works council (Betriebsrat) concerning breaks. The agreement may specify the exact start and end of breaks, or allow employees to take their breaks within a defined period.

At companies without a works council, the same arrangement may be agreed in writing with individual employees. In that case, only deviations from the agreement have to be recorded.

Special rules

Flexible working arrangements and working from home: if you largely determine the timing and location of your work yourself, only the length of daily working time has to be recorded. The same applies to working from home (Teleheimarbeit).

Vehicle drivers: a logbook (Fahrtenbuch), tachograph disc (Schaublatt), and printed and downloaded data from the recording device also count as working time records. They must be made available to the labour inspectorate, organised by driver and date.

Young people: in addition to working hours, the register of young people must include, among other things, their name, address, date of birth, start date, type of work, remuneration, holidays, and the name and address of their legal representative.

Hospitals: work performed in exceptional situations must be listed separately.

How long must records be kept?

• General working time records: 1 year
• Records for vehicle drivers (Lenker): 24 months
• Register of young people (Verzeichnis der Jugendlichen): 2 years

For an averaging period, the retention period begins at the end of that period. Other legislation may require records to be kept for longer.

Who checks the records?

The labour inspectorate (Arbeitsinspektion) checks compliance. It falls under the Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection (BMASGPK).

Are breaches punishable?

Yes. Breaches of the rules on working time records are punishable, and responsibility lies with the employer. This remains the case even when the employee is the person entering the hours.

Practical steps for employees

1. Keep your own record of start times, finish times, breaks, overtime and deviations from the schedule.
2. Check whether your employer’s records match your actual working time.
3. Once a month, request a copy of your records free of charge.
4. If you work under flexible hours, ask how the Zeiterfassungssystem can be accessed.
5. Keep copies of your requests and the records you receive.
6. If records are missing or inaccurate, seek advice from a labour-law or employment specialist.

This article is based on information available online and does not constitute legal advice. Use of the information is at your own risk. For professional advice, contact a lawyer, legal specialist, labour-law or employment specialist, or another relevant professional.

Source: usp.gv.at