Working hours, overtime working, flexible working, rest periods and holidays in Turkey, Germany and Sweden

Working and resting hours constitute the work-life balance in the business life. Studies show that there is a relationship between the working/resting hours and the life satisfaction and work motivation. In this study, working and resting hours, overtime working, flexible working and holidays of Turkey, Germany and Sweden is investigated. The similarities and the dissimilarities between the labour laws of these countries were determined. In addition, the effect of these variations on work motivation and life satisfaction of employees were presented with the help of supporting literature data. As a result, it was clearly seen that Turkey took strong steps towards modernization by the recently updated labour law. Besides, it was observed that there are not many deficiencies in the Turkish labour law when compared with German and Swedish labour laws, however, there are problems involving the application of these laws. It is concluded that the strengthening of the unions, the strict control of the working environment and the deterrent penal sanctions will increase employee satisfaction, and eventually will contribute to the productivity of the enterprises and consequently to the national economy.