FLSA Training


Utah State University wants to help its employees understand the rules and regulations concerning working hours. These rules have been established by the federal government's Fair Labor Standards Act and adopted at USU. The most important parts are summarized here. If you have questions, please contact our office (797-0124). USU Policies 378 and 382 can be viewed under the HR "Policies" icon or review the examples under the FLSA FAQs. USU Policy 378 "Standard Work Hours and Attendance" and USU Policy 382 "Overtime" are in compliance with the federal government's Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Work week

  • USU's work week begins Saturday at 12:01 am and ends the following Friday at midnight.
  • Hours actually worked up to and including 40 hours during a week are paid at the regular rate.
  • A record of hours worked must be signed by the employee, and approved and signed by the department head/supervisor. This record will be kept by the department/unit for three years.

Hours worked

  • Time spent by an employee engaged in any part of the job's main duties is considered as hours worked; this includes work that occurs either before or after "normal" work hours or during lunch periods.

Flexible work schedule

  • The department head/supervisor can give approval for flexible working arrangements if they are compatible with the efficient and effective operation of the department.

Attendance

  • Regular attendance and punctuality are part of each employee's job responsibility.

Overtime

  • If an employee actually works more than 40 hours in a work week, he/she is to be compensated at 1.5 times the regular rate.
  • Agreeing to work overtime when requested is a condition of employment.
  • Overtime should be approved ahead of time by the department head/supervisor.
  • The department head/supervisor will decide whether an employee will receive compensatory time off or overtime pay.
  • Time off or pay for overtime should be used/paid within the same pay period; however, the time can accumulate to a maximum of 120 hours. These hours should be compensated as soon as possible.

Meal and Rest Periods

  • Employees are encouraged to take this time away from the regular work station.
  • An unpaid meal period of 30 to 60 minutes is authorized.
  • Up to 15 minutes worth of rest periods can be taken within each four hour work period.
  • Rest periods are not cumulative and should not be taken at the start or end of the work day.

Holidays

  • For work scheduled on a holiday, employees will report as directed.
  • Benefited employees are eligible for paid holidays.
  • Only employees who actually work more than 40 hours in a week that includes a holiday will be paid 1.5 the regular rate for overtime.
  • Employees who work from 33 to 40 hours in a week that includes a holiday will receive payment at "straight" time.

Travel

  • Travel time is compensable when it occurs during the employee's regular working hours.
  • Time is also compensable if the individual is driving or otherwise performing work for the benefit of the employer.

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