A fixed, regularly recurring 168-hour period consisting of seven consecutive 24-hour days. The workweek is the unit of time the FLSA uses for overtime calculations -- overtime cannot be averaged across multiple weeks.
Why Workweek (FLSA) matters for employers
The employer sets the workweek start day -- it does not have to align with the calendar week or pay period. Once established, the workweek generally cannot be changed to avoid overtime obligations. Overtime under the FLSA is calculated per workweek and cannot be averaged across multiple weeks. An employee who works 50 hours in one week and 30 hours the next is owed 10 hours of overtime for the first week, regardless of the 80-hour two-week total.
For salaried non-exempt employees, the workweek definition is critical for fluctuating workweek overtime calculations. For tipped employees, the workweek is the unit for determining whether total compensation meets minimum wage and whether the tip credit is valid. Clear workweek policies and accurate time records are foundational to FLSA compliance.
How BEG handles Workweek (FLSA) for clients
BEG Managed Payroll handles Workweek (FLSA) as part of a fully managed payroll service at $25-$45 per employee per month. Clients do not need to track compliance rules, filing deadlines, or calculation methods related to Workweek (FLSA) on their own. Everything is included. Learn about BEG Managed Payroll.
Frequently asked questions
Do employers have to manage Workweek (FLSA) themselves?
No. A managed payroll provider handles Workweek (FLSA) as part of full-service payroll. BEG manages this for clients at $25-$45 PEPM with no system migration required.
What happens if Workweek (FLSA) is handled incorrectly?
Errors related to Workweek (FLSA) can trigger IRS penalties, state agency assessments, or employee disputes. Catching and correcting errors before filing is far less costly than after-the-fact corrections.
How does BEG handle Workweek (FLSA) for managed payroll clients?
BEG tracks, calculates, and remits everything related to Workweek (FLSA) as part of fully managed payroll. Clients do not need to monitor compliance -- that is included in the service at $25-$45 PEPM.
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About the author
Anthony Moretti is VP of Sales at Business Executive Group, where he builds BEG's managed payroll and HR service verticals for employers across Dallas-Fort Worth and nationwide. He writes the BEG Payroll Glossary to give employers plain-English answers on payroll and compliance.
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