Define: Compensatory Time

Compensatory Time
Compensatory Time
Quick Summary of Compensatory Time

Compensatory time, also referred to as “comp time,” is a practice where employees are granted time off work instead of receiving overtime pay for extra hours worked. For instance, if an employee works 10 additional hours in a week, they may be granted 10 hours of paid time off during another week instead of overtime compensation.

What is the dictionary definition of Compensatory Time?
Dictionary Definition of Compensatory Time

Compensatory time, also referred to as comp time, is the paid time off that employees are granted instead of receiving overtime pay for extra hours worked.

Full Definition Of Compensatory Time

Compensatory time refers to the practice of providing employees with time off in lieu of overtime pay.

For instance, if an employee works 10 hours of overtime in a week, they may be given 10 hours of compensatory time to use at a later date instead of receiving additional pay for those hours.

Compensatory time provides employees with flexibility and work-life balance, allowing them to take time off when needed without sacrificing pay. This arrangement benefits both employers and employees by offering an alternative to traditional overtime compensation.

In the US, this practice is regulated by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and may be subject to specific requirements and limitations. Employers must ensure that compensatory time is offered in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and that employees are properly informed of their rights and entitlements. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in legal consequences for the employer.

Compensatory Time FAQ'S

Compensatory time, also known as comp time, refers to the practice of providing employees with time off in lieu of overtime pay for hours worked beyond their regular work schedule.

Yes, compensatory time is legal under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for public sector employees. However, private sector employers are generally required to provide overtime pay instead of comp time.

When an employee works overtime, they may be given the option to accrue comp time instead of receiving immediate overtime pay. The amount of comp time earned is typically calculated at a rate of 1.5 hours for each hour of overtime worked.

In general, employers have the discretion to schedule when employees can use their accrued comp time. However, they cannot force employees to take comp time off unless there is a valid reason, such as operational needs or excessive comp time balances.

Public sector employees may have the option to cash out their accrued comp time, depending on their employer’s policies. Private sector employees, on the other hand, are generally not allowed to cash out their comp time and must use it as time off.

Employers have the right to deny an employee’s request to use comp time if it would unduly disrupt the operations of the business. However, they should make reasonable efforts to accommodate the employee’s request whenever possible.

Under the FLSA, public sector employees are generally allowed to carry over their unused comp time to the next year. However, private sector employees are not entitled to carry over their comp time and must use it within the same year it was earned.

Yes, employers can require employees to use their accrued comp time before using other types of leave, such as vacation or personal days. However, this should be clearly communicated in the company’s policies and comply with applicable labour laws.

If an employer fails to provide compensatory time as required by law, an employee may have grounds to file a complaint with the appropriate labour agency or pursue legal action. It is advisable to consult with an employment attorney to understand the specific legal options available in such cases.

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This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 28th April 2024.

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