Background
Following the global trend, Kazakhstan’s legislation aims to boost work-life balance for employees. Kazakhstan’s structure did not previously allow employers the option to introduce more flexible arrangements into their work hour structure.
Key details
Four-day workweek
With the consent of both the employer and the employees, a four-day workweek may be established without the loss of salary. The normal workweek remains at 40 hours per week and regular work hours will be spread across the four days with a maximum of 10 hours per day. The daily overtime cap remains at two hours, but a maximum overtime limit of 12 hours per month and 120 hours per year have been added. Employers and employees may also mutually consent to alternate the four-day workweek with a five- or six-day workweek. Under all of these schedules, Sunday must remain a day off with the other day(s) off, subject to negotiation. Employers who choose to offer this flexible working arrangement will be required to amend their internal policies and collective bargaining agreement (if any) accordingly.
Employees who want to request the four-day workweek or alternating schedule may submit a written request for their employer’s approval.
Staggered work schedule
Employers are now also able to modify employees’ daily work schedules with different work hours, based on their workload. However, no workday may be longer than 11 hours, including overtime, and the staggered work schedule must be in compliance with the employer’s internal policies and relevant collective bargaining agreements (if any).
Joint employment
Employers are now allowed to use job share arrangements, hiring two employees on a part-time basis for the same position, for certain individuals. Only single mothers of children under age 14 (under age 18 if the child is disabled), parents of children under age three, individuals caring for a sick family member, and employees who are two years from the normal retirement age (61 for women and 63 for men) are eligible to be hired under these arrangements.
