SLOVAKIA | Internship: At work | Work conditions
After the accomplishment of various economic reforms, the world of work in Slovakia is similar to that of other countries in the European Union. Economic reforms have resulted in a better economic potential for the country, so that at this time Slovakia is a country of interest to foreign investors. Many foreign companies, especially car manufactures like Vollkswagen, Peugeot and Hyundai-Kia, have decided to establish their company plants in Slovakia. There are also many smaller firms that provide work opportunities and contribute to the improvement of the Slovak economy.
The normal workweek is 40 hours per week. The working day starts between 7.00 and 9.00 in the morning and finishes between 15.30 and 17.00 in the afternoon. Employees can have lunch between 11.30 and 13.00, and it usually is no longer than a half an hour. The beginning and end of work hours is decided individually by offices or firms according to their needs. Many companies have adopted flexitime to give their employees an opportunity to determine their work hours, but there are some restrictions.
Pay and work conditions are decided by individual companies or offices, but the legal conditions are equal. According to the law employers are obliged to deduct taxes and levies and deliver them to the tax authorities, the Social Insurance Company and health insurance companies for their employees. In order to be able to do this a trainee has to register with the Social Insurance Company and acquire a registration number. The trainee has to submit an ID card or passport (foreigners) and a letter from the future employer confirming that there is an open position in a company/office. A trainee also has to provide form E111 or EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) to prove that any medical treatment will be covered. A trainee has to bring all these documents to his company's personnel department. This is to insure against the loss of earnings as a result of sickness and to guarantee adequate medical treatment for free or a small charge. There is also a levy to be paid to the Employment Fund, which insures an employee against the loss of earnings through unemployment.
In Slovakia there is a uniform tax rate of 19% on any income. If an employee earns below a certain amount, the tax deducted from his/her wage is refundable at the end of the year. Social insurance and health insurance levies are deducted in any case.
If there is no flexitime, all employees are expected to be at their workplaces punctually. How strictly work hours are observed depends on your boss.