Have you ever wondered how work schedules in Spain actually work? Compared to other countries, the Spanish workday has some unique features—like the long lunch breaks and more flexible hours. In this article, MaestroMío explains everything you need to know about how the workday is organized in Spain, from start times to quitting time. Keep reading to find out how it really works!
What is the typical work schedule in Spain?
The work schedule in Spain varies depending on the sector and the type of workday, but in general, it is divided into two main types:
✔ Split shift (the most common in offices and traditional businesses)
- Morning: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Lunch break: 2 hours (approximately from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM)
- Afternoon: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM
This schedule is characteristic of Spain and is influenced by the tradition of the siesta, although today, few people practice it regularly.
✔ Intensive shift (more common in summer and in some modern companies)
- Continuous schedule: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM or 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- There is no long lunch break, so the workday ends earlier.
This model is more common in the public sector and some private companies.
Schedules by sector
- Offices and administration: Split shift in most cases, although some companies already implement the intensive shift.
- Retail and shops: Extended hours, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Many shops close at midday, especially outside large cities.
- Hospitality and tourism: Extended and variable hours, with split shifts and late closing, as dinner is typically eaten late in Spain.
- Industry and factories: Usually have more European-style schedules, with intensive morning shifts or rotating shifts.
- Public sector and civil servants: Typically work from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with an intensive shift almost year-round.
Why are work hours in Spain so different?
There are several historical and cultural reasons that explain why work hours in Spain are different from the rest of Europe:
- Time zone change: Spain should be in the same time zone as Portugal and the United Kingdom, but in 1942, during Franco’s dictatorship, the country adopted Germany’s time zone. This causes the “real” midday to be later than what the clock shows.
- Tradition of the siesta: Although fewer people take a siesta today, the long midday break still influences the work schedules.
- Late meal times: In Spain, lunch is typically between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM, and dinner is between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM, which delays the workday.
Are work schedules in Spain changing?
Yes, in recent years, there has been a debate about the need to reform work schedules in Spain to bring them more in line with those in other European countries. Some measures being implemented include:
- More intensive shifts, especially in the summer.
- Remote work, which has allowed for more flexibility in schedules.
- Reducing the midday break in some companies.
Despite these changes, work schedules in Spain still tend to be later than in other European countries like Germany or France.
