Timekeeping Headaches

YOUR OPINION MATTERS TO US!

In order for us to provide you with the best workshop experience, we will be sending out a brief survey, regarding social media recruiting , this week asking for your feedback! Thank you in advance for your participation. We value your input!

HR Headache #4

Altering Time Sheets Can Mean Personal Liability for HR and Managers!

Scenario

A group of “living assistants” (hourly workers) at a home for the disabled worked 48-hour weekend shifts and were required to check on each resident every two hours, around the clock. When those employees turned in their time sheets, managers routinely deducted eight hours because each living assistant supposedly got two four-hour breaks. The CEO then signed off on the altered time sheets.

Resolution

The employees could not leave the building during “breaks” and had to call the main office once an hour. Because the time was not their own, the court said they should be compensated.

The kicker: The court held the CEO personally liable, ordering him and the company to pay more than $500,000 to the employees, including $155,000 as a penalty.

Solution

The Fair Labor Standards Act allows employees to sue their bosses, executives and HR professionals for personal liability for altering pay records. For that reason, make sure supervisors do not tolerate or, worse, encourage off-the-clock work or the altering of time records. U.S. Department of Labor officials announced last year that they are receiving more complaints about employees forced to work through breaks. For breaks to be unpaid, employees must be completely relieved of their duties. (That is one reason to discourage them from eating lunch at their desks.)

BEST SOLUTION:

Call Alternative HRD!

If you are responsible for approving time sheets or signing off on alterations to the hours reported by employees, take note: It is not just your organization that risks a big fine and costly litigation. Your personal assets are also at risk. Contact us today with questions at 605.335.8198 !