Time Tracking in Germany: New Legal Requirements and Smart Solutions

#productivity #workplace #timespin #legaltech

The landscape of time tracking in Germany is undergoing a major transformation. Employers are already obligated to document working hours to ensure compliance with labor regulations, but the new draft bill to amend the Arbeitszeitgesetz (ArbZG) tightens these rules even further.

Under the updated requirements, the start, end, and total duration of each workday must be recorded electronically, and the recording must happen on the same day.

Small businesses with up to ten employees may continue to track time manually.

Break Regulations Remain Unchanged

The existing rules still apply:

Up to 6 hours of work: no break required
More than 6 up to 9 hours: at least 30 minutes break
More than 9 hours: at least 45 minutes break

👉 Breaks can be split into segments of at least 15 minutes, and work blocks longer than six hours without a break are not allowed.

What Employers Should Do Now

To prepare for the transition, companies should take proactive steps:

Implement digital time tracking systems
The electronic tracking requirement makes modern tools indispensable.
Train employees
Staff should understand the new rules and how to use the systems correctly.
Ensure secure documentation
Recorded data must be stored reliably and be verifiable during audits.

Current vs Upcoming Requirements (Explained Without a Table)

Obligation to Track Working Hours
Currently: Employers must track working hours, but details are not explicitly regulated.
New: The ArbZG will define this obligation more precisely.
Format of Time Tracking
Currently: No specific format required.
New: Tracking must be electronic and same-day.
Break Regulations
Currently: 30 minutes after 6 hours, 45 minutes after 9 hours, breaks of at least 15 minutes.
New: No changes.
Exceptions
Currently: None.
New: Businesses with ≤10 employees may continue using manual tracking.
Transition Periods
Currently: None.
New: Planned to ensure smooth implementation.

TimeSpin: Compliant and Productive

Many companies view electronic time tracking as yet another layer of bureaucracy. But modern legal-tech and work-tech solutions like Timespin turn this obligation into an advantage:

Legally compliant: Fully aligned with the new regulations.
Productivity oriented: Tracks not only hours but tasks, projects, and breaks.
Employee friendly: Clear structures boost fairness and reduce stress.
Smart integration: Works seamlessly with existing systems for efficient workflows.