The successful meeting with interpretation

For reasons of good staff management, quality of service and individual well-being there have to be rules.

the basics on working hours:

• The morning session must not exceed 4 hours from the official starting time. (Please note: if your meeting is foreseen to last only through the morning, you may not be able to run on beyond 13.00, as the interpreters for your half day meeting may be expected to work at another one at 14.30.)
• The lunch break must be at least 90 minutes long. (Interpreters have to eat, get a breath of fresh air if possible and often change location if assigned to a different afternoon meeting).
• All meetings must finish at 18.30 unless the Sponsor organization has been notified in advance.
• In any event no team of interpreters is supposed to work for more than 10 hours a day.

Finally, feedback of whatever kind is usually much appreciated. Please do not hesitate to contact the Project managers or your interpreters if you have any questions or wish to help us use the right specialist terms. We hope the indications outlined above will help to make your meeting run smoothly.

Source: EC, Directorate General for Interpretation