Many employees are told they need to be at their desks or workstations before their scheduled start time. Whether it’s to log in, set up, or attend a pre-shift meeting, this extra time often goes unpaid. But is that legal? At NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC, we routinely help New Jersey workers determine whether early arrival expectations violate state and federal wage laws—and whether they may be entitled to back pay or overtime.
What the Law Says About Hours Worked
Under both the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the New Jersey Wage and Hour Law, employees must be paid for all hours worked. This includes time spent performing job duties before or after the official shift. If that time pushes your total over 40 hours in a week, you may be owed overtime pay at 1.5 times your regular hourly rate.
Here are a few common examples of early tasks that should likely be paid:
- Booting up your computer and logging into systems
- Attending mandatory meetings before your shift
- Preparing your workstation or gathering tools
- Reviewing notes or emails required for your day
Even if your employer doesn’t explicitly require you to clock in early, if they expect you to be “ready to work” before your official start time, they may still be required to pay you for that time.
“Off-the-Clock” Work Is a Serious Violation
If you’re routinely performing tasks before or after your shift without being paid, this may constitute “off-the-clock” work. Employers cannot evade wage laws by simply asking employees to wait to clock in or stay late unpaid. Even short periods—like 10 or 15 minutes per day—can add up over time and result in significant unpaid wages.
This is especially relevant for hourly and non-exempt employees. If you’re working more than 40 hours a week because of early start times or late end times, your employer may owe you overtime wages.
How to Protect Your Rights
If you believe you’re being asked to work without compensation in New Jersey, here’s what you can do:
- Track your time: Keep a personal log of when you start and end your day and what tasks you’re doing outside of your scheduled hours.
- Gather evidence: Save any emails, schedules, or memos that show the expectation to arrive early or stay late.
- Speak to a lawyer: A qualified employment attorney can help you determine if your employer is violating wage laws and what remedies you may be entitled to.
At NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC, we’ve helped countless New Jersey employees recover unpaid wages and overtime. Whether it’s through negotiation, filing a wage claim, or litigation, we will advocate for your rights and help you secure what you’ve earned.
To learn more about your rights regarding early arrival and overtime, visit our article on early overtime expectations in NJ workplaces.
Contact NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC
Address: 101 Eisenhower Pkwy #300, Roseland, NJ 07068
Phone: (973) 358-7027
If your employer is asking you to work without pay—even just a few minutes each day—you may be entitled to compensation. NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC is ready to help.
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