What is considered “work” under the FLSA?
Typically, work time under the FLSA includes all time spent performing job-related activities which: (1) benefit the employer; (2) the employer “knows or has reason to believe” are being performed by an employee; and (3) which the employer does not prohibit the employee from performing. This includes time spent doing “off the clock” work such as maintaining equipment before or after the work shift, staying late after work shifts without recording for overtime, doing job-related paperwork at home, making and responding to job-related telephone calls, and working through meal periods but having hours deducted from the employee’s time sheet. Additionally, time spent traveling during the work day as well as “on call” or “waiting” time may likewise be compensable as hours worked. Therefore, even if an employer typically pays overtime, but does not compensate its employees for “off the clock” work or the other activities described above, the employee may be entitled to recover additional ove
