Can I refuse to work on weekends?

Question

Zippia Team · Accepted Answer

Yes, you can refuse to work on the weekends if your employment contract doesn't say that you have to work these days, but the action could have consequences. It's typical for employees to need their weekends for their personal lives, and employers need to respect this reality.

However, there aren't many laws that protect employees from refusing to work, so an employer can terminate you if you refuse.

The best way to avoid getting caught up in an uncomfortable situation is by discussing something like this in an interview. Ask your employer what your schedule will look like and if there's a possibility that you'll be asked to work on the weekends. If you're not okay with working on the weekends, you can always set that as a boundary.

It's best to have a mutual understanding early regarding these things.

Another aspect to consider when considering refusing to work on weekends is the nature of your job. Some roles, like those in healthcare or hospitality, often require weekend shifts due to the 24/7 nature of the services. If you're in such fields, refusing to work on weekends might not be feasible.

If you find yourself in a situation where your employer is asking you to work on weekends unexpectedly, and it's causing stress or negatively affecting your work-life balance, having an open conversation with them can be beneficial. Explain why you're unable or unwilling to work on weekends and propose alternative solutions. This could involve offering to take on more responsibilities during weekdays or suggesting a rotating weekend schedule among staff members.

If these discussions don't lead to a resolution or if you're feeling forced into working hours that weren't agreed upon, it might be time to seek advice from a labor lawyer or union representative, if applicable. They can provide guidance based on your specific situation and local labor laws.