Off-the-clock work refers to any time you spend on job-related tasks outside of your official working hours without compensation. It could be checking emails after work, answering job-related calls or completing tasks from home.
As an employee in Illinois, it’s important to understand that you should be getting paid if you’re working during your scheduled hours or not. Even when your employer doesn’t explicitly ask you to work outside your hours, you should be compensated for performing job duties during that time.
What should you do if you’re working off the clock?
If you find yourself regularly working off the clock, keeping track of the hours you’re putting in is crucial. Document the tasks you’re doing, when they happen and the time you spend working on them. This will create a clear record of your work that can come in handy when you need to address the matter later.
You can bring this up with your employer to ensure you’re getting paid fairly for all your time. Communicate with your supervisor to clarify the expectations around off-the-clock work and seek guidance on how to properly track your hours to ensure you’re paid for that extra time.
Assert your legal rights
You should not be afraid of employer retaliation for reporting concerns about your pay; it’s against the law. Additionally, you have legal rights if your employer refuses to compensate you for off-the-clock work or if you feel pressured to work without pay.
You can, for example, file a wage claim with the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) or even take legal action if necessary. Seeking informed guidance can help you understand how to protect your interests. Your time is valuable, and you deserve to be paid for it.