A year has passed since the Working Time Directive came into force. While the law has already improved transparency between employees and employers, it is often criticized for adding administrative complexity. Still, if we can clearly account for how working hours are spent, time registration holds significant potential to strengthen competitiveness.
Since July 1, 2024, all Danish companies have been required to comply with the Working Time Directive. The legislation was introduced to safeguard employees, and so far, the Danish Working Environment Authority has reported no violations. But compliance is just the beginning – how companies choose to use time registration can make the real difference.
A Year of New Routines and Positive Developments
In February 2025, YouGov conducted a survey on Danes’ perception of time registration. After only eight months with the new law in place, 45% of respondents said that time registration creates greater transparency around working hours and overtime. This suggests that the legislation has, to some extent, fulfilled its purpose: protecting employees and fostering dialogue between employers and staff about working hours.
The survey also revealed that 40% of employees have established a daily routine of recording their hours. Companies and their staff are beginning to see the benefits of time registration, notes Mette Nørlem, an HR expert in employment law.
Overall, YouGov’s findings indicate a trend where time registration is becoming an integrated part of working life, contributing to positive changes in workplace culture.
Business Leaders Call for Less Red Tape and More Competitiveness
Despite these advantages, the law has also drawn criticism. Like other regulations, it is often seen as an administrative burden. According to the Confederation of Danish Industry (DI), this undermines Europe’s competitiveness.
DI’s statement is based on an analysis featured in its report “No More Regulatory Madness” (“Ikke mere regelvanvid”). The findings show that 55% of companies (and 69% of large companies) view mandatory time registration as a strain. Two recurring demands stand out: less bureaucracy and more competitiveness.
This analysis stands in contrast to YouGov’s survey and highlights some of the challenges the law poses for Danish businesses.
Data-Driven Insights Are Key to Competitiveness
At Intempus, we have also reviewed the first year of the Working Time Directive. To unlock the full potential of time registration and strengthen competitiveness, as DI suggests, companies need to do more than just log hours – they need to document how time is spent.
“That’s what really tells us how effective we are in the labor market,” says Christophe Zafiryadis, Founder and CEO of Intempus.
He acknowledges the importance of the law’s focus on employee protection and transparency between employers and staff. But he also emphasizes the need for companies to go a step further.
*indsæt nedenstående citat som fremhævet citat*
“If the Working Time Directive is to drive competitiveness – not only in Denmark but across Europe – we need visibility into what the time is actually being used for.”
– Christophe Zafiryadis, CEO & Founder, Intempus
Currently, the law only requires employees to register their hours – not what they are working on. According to Zafiryadis, this alone does not enhance competitiveness. What will make the difference is capturing how working time is allocated. The hope for the future is that better systems will emerge to provide actionable insights into how work is performed.
“At Intempus, our mission is to solve exactly this challenge. That way, employees’ rights are protected, and at the same time, we can become more efficient in what we do,” says Zafiryadis.
Staying Compliant – While Driving Grownth
At Intempus, we make it easy to stay compliant with the Working Time Directive through our digital solutions. Our platform is designed for both hourly and salaried employees and allows you to track not just hours but also the projects and tasks they support. Interested in learning more? Call one of our sales consultants today at +45 26 39 04 00 or explore our free, no-obligation solution designer to see how Intempus can work for your business.
Sources: Intempus, Folketinget, Lessor, Confederation of Danish Industry (DI) here and here, Virksomhedsguiden.
