Updated September 2nd 2025

All About Employee Work Hours in South Africa

Understand average employee work hours in South Africa and see how Justworks EOR can make hiring and managing your team abroad easier.

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Standard Hours of Work in South Africa

Working Hour Limits

Employees in South Africa generally work eight hours per day. The work week can be extended up to 54 hours for employees who work within shift, flexible, or intermittent schedules. In these cases, daily hours can be extended up to nine or 10 hours, especially if work is performed across five consecutive days.

Work Culture

South African work culture values a balance between professionalism and personal relationships. Teamwork and respect are important, with a strong emphasis on clear communication and flexibility. Punctuality is an important part of South African work culture. South African workplaces often emphasize collaboration and results-driven work.

This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, legal or tax advice. If you have any legal or tax questions regarding this content or related issues, then you should consult with your professional legal or tax advisor.

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