Moneyzine
Contents
/Careers Guides/Waiting Time (Waiting Time Pay)

Waiting Time (Waiting Time Pay)

Moneyzine Editor
Author: 
Moneyzine Editor
2 mins
September 26th, 2023
Advertiser Disclosure

Definition

The term waiting time refers to those occasions when an employer is experiencing a delay in getting work to an employee. Under certain conditions, the Fair Labor Standards Act requires employers to pay non-exempt employees for waiting time.

Explanation

Employers are required to compensate employees for time worked. This can occur both at the employee's work location as well as off-site. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires employers to compensate employees when they are engaging in work.

Employees can be given an assignment that requires them to wait for work. Whether or not the employer owes compensation to the employee depends on the circumstances of the agreement. Specifically, whether or not the employee was engaged to wait or was waiting to be engaged.

  • Engaged to Wait: if an employee was engaged to wait, this is considered work time and the employee is owed compensation while waiting. For example, a truck driver that pulls up to a loading dock might be waiting while the stock handlers load or unload the truck. This waiting time is part of the truck driver's normal assignment. Since they are engaged to wait, this is considered work time and the driver is owed compensation.

  • Waiting to be Engaged: if an employee is waiting to be engaged, this is not considered work time and the employee is not owed compensation while waiting. For example, a call center representative's shift starts at noon and runs through 9:00 p.m. The representative reports to work at 11:30 a.m., 30 minutes before their shift starts. Since the employee is waiting to be engaged, this is not considered work time and they are not owed compensation.

Companies are permitted to provide compensation beyond that required by law. If the legality of a company's pay policy is called into question, the best course of action is to consult with an experienced labor attorney.

Related Terms

Related Content

Is It Worth Pursuing a Master's Degree?
In an era where education is synonymous with opportunity, many consider pursuing a Master's degree a surefire way to advance their careers. However, is it really the golden ticket to success we've been led to believe?
March 21st, 2024
The gender pay gap, the persistent disparity in average earnings between men and women throughout their careers, serves as a critical measure of wage inequality. This gap underscores the ongoing issue of income disparity, despite the ideal of equal pay for equal work.
March 14th, 2024
7 Essential Financial Moves After Losing Your Job
Navigating the stormy seas of job loss? You're not alone.
February 23rd, 2024
The Most In-Demand Skills to Get Hired in 2024
Every job requires a combination of vital skills, but what skillset is valued most in 2024? As the job market evolves, staying ahead means it’s key to understand and acquire the skills that employers value most.
February 20th, 2024
Key Productivity in the Workplace Statistics for 2024
In 2023, global employee engagement saw a slight uptick, with 23% of employees engaged, up by two percentage points. However, a sizable 59% are categorized as disengaged, while actively disengaged employees, known as "loud quitting," declined to 18%. These figures highlight the persistent challenge for organizations to cultivate happiness and productivity in the workplace.
January 31st, 2024

Contributors

Moneyzine 2024. All Rights Reserved.