5 Tips For Ensuring You Get Paid What You're Owed

Introduction

What do you do when you’re not paid for your work? If you’re like most people, chances are you feel anger, frustration, and anxiety. Your first step should be to reach out to your boss and politely inquire about the situation. If you don’t get an explanation or resolution, you may want to consider talking to an attorney who specializes in wage & hour attorney. Here are five tips they can offer you to ensure you get paid what you’re owed.

Know When And How To Calculate Overtime

The federal law on wage and hour states that you must be paid time-and-a-half for any hours that you work over 40 in a week. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. In the case of jobs that require overtime (such as police officers) or where you have agreed to work more than 8 hours a day, this rule does not apply.

Always Document Your Hours

It's important to document your hours because if you don't, it will be difficult to know how much you should be paid for the work that you do. This is especially true if the company does not offer a salary and instead pays according to hours worked. 

Keep Track Of Time At Home

If you work from home, it's important to keep track of your time. It may seem like a hassle at first, but it's not as difficult as you think. Track how much time you spend on each task by writing down the start and end times and the total number of hours spent on each task. Billing clients accurately and efficiently will be easier if your records are organized.

Understand The Duties Test

The Duties Test is important to determining whether a worker is an independent contractor or an employee.  If the person doing the work has the right to determine how they will do it and who they will hire, then they are more likely to be considered an independent contractor.

Understand The Salary Basis Test

The salary basis test is used to determine whether an employee is exempt from overtime pay. If the employee's job duties are considered executive, professional, or administrative then the employer does not have to pay them overtime.

Conclusion

In conclusion,  the best way to ensure you get paid what you are owed is to be proactive and diligent about the process. Make sure you communicate with your employer from the very start of your contract so that they understand the expectations for payment. Follow up with them regularly and always be polite!