Understanding RTTs: definition, how they work

RTT, or Réduction du Temps de Travail (Reduction in Working Hours), are days off granted to employees in compensation for working more than 35 hours per week. Their purpose is to balance working hours while complying with the legal regulations in force in France. Introduced with the Aubry laws on the reduction of working hours, RTTs enable companies to better manage peaks in activity while offering their employees greater flexibility. 

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How RTTs work 

RTTs are not universal and depend on how working hours are organized in each company. Here is how they generally work: 

• Acquisition of RTT days: RTT days are accrued based on hours worked in excess of 35 hours per week. Each employee accrues a certain number of days per year, depending on collective agreements or company agreements. 

• Taking RTTs: RTTs can be taken as full days or half days, depending on the needs of employees and the constraints of the company. Taking RTTs must be planned in advance to ensure the smooth running of teams and avoid imbalances in staffing levels. 

• Anticipating RTTs: For optimal management, it is recommended to plan an annual RTT calendar, taking into account periods of high activity and already scheduled vacations. Internal communication on this subject is essential to avoid unpleasant surprises and unexpected absences. 

Conditions and management of RTTs in companies 

For companies, managing RTT days is a major organizational challenge. It is crucial to strike a balance between employee rights and the operational needs of the company. As Eurecia points out, the management of RTT days must be planned in advance and clearly defined in internal agreements in order to avoid any ambiguity and ensure good communication with employees. 

Companies must also ensure that RTTs are correctly recorded and respected. HRIS tools such as quarksUp can be invaluable in automating RTT management, providing complete visibility of the days accumulated and taken by each employee. 

The benefits of RTTs for companies and employees 

RTTs are not only beneficial for employees, but also for companies. Here are some advantages: 

• Increased employee motivation: Offering RTT days improves well-being at work and strengthens employee engagement. 

• Organizational flexibility: RTTs allow workloads to be adjusted according to periods of high or low activity. 

• Attractiveness of the company: Offering RTTs can be a strong selling point during recruitment, highlighting the importance placed on work-life balance. 

• Cost reduction: By effectively planning time off in lieu, companies can avoid costly overtime and optimize their human resources. 

Communicating effectively with employees about reduced working hours 

Good communication about RTT is essential. Employees must be informed about: 

• The method of acquisition and rules for taking RTTs 

• Recommended periods for taking RTT days 

• The process to follow to take a day off in lieu 

In fact, RTTs play a key role in managing working time in companies. When well planned and properly communicated, they contribute to a more relaxed and productive working environment, while offering employees greater flexibility. HR managers can use management platforms such as quarksUp to facilitate this communication and ensure that all information is accessible to employees in real time.  

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