Definition: Number of hours worked

Category: Structural business statistics

For business statistics the number of hours worked is based on the concept of the number of hours actually worked. This should be distinguished from the number of hours usually worked.

The total number of hours worked represents the aggregate number of hours actually worked for the output of the observation unit during the reference period.

This variable excludes hours paid but not actually worked such as for annual leave, holidays and sick leave. It also excludes meal breaks and commuting between home and work.

Included are hours actually worked during normal working hours, hours worked in addition to those, time which is spent at the place of work on tasks such as preparing the site and time corresponding to short periods of rest at the work place.

If the exact number of hours actually worked is not known, it may be estimated on the basis of the theoretical number of working hours and the average rate of absences (sickness, maternity, etc.).