DECA Human Resources Management Practice Exam

What is considered overtime for non-exempt employees?

1. Hours worked beyond 35 in a week

2. Hours worked beyond 40 in a work week

3. Hours worked on weekends

4. Hours worked on holidays

The correct answer is: Hours worked beyond 40 in a work week

Overtime for non-exempt employees is defined by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in the United States. According to the FLSA, non-exempt employees are entitled to receive overtime pay for all hours worked in excess of 40 hours during a standard work week. This means that any time worked over the 40-hour threshold must be compensated at a rate that is at least one and a half times the employee's regular hourly wage. This classification is important as it ensures that employees are fairly compensated for any additional hours they work beyond the regular time, thereby providing a legal framework for protecting their rights in the workplace. Other options, such as hours worked on weekends or holidays, do not automatically qualify for overtime pay unless those hours also exceed the 40-hour weekly limit. The distinction lies in the specific threshold of hours worked in a week rather than the day types, making the definition clear and consistent for payroll practices.