Many employees across New Jersey are familiar with the unspoken expectation to arrive early for work. Whether it’s to prepare for the day, boot up a computer, or sit through a pre-shift meeting, those extra 10 or 15 minutes can start to add up. But a common question remains: Should that time be paid? Under New Jersey and federal law, the answer may be yes.
At NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC, we frequently hear from workers who are expected to clock in early—or are discouraged from clocking in until their scheduled time, despite already performing tasks. In many cases, this practice can violate wage and hour laws and may entitle workers to back pay and damages.
Understanding Overtime and Compensable Time
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and New Jersey wage and hour laws, employers are required to pay non-exempt employees for all hours worked, including any time before or after a scheduled shift if the employee is engaged in work-related activities.
That means if you are:
Answering emails or phone calls before clocking in
Preparing work materials or setting up a station
Attending mandatory pre-shift meetings or briefings
Required to be at your desk 10-15 minutes early “just in case”
…you may be entitled to compensation for that time. Even seemingly minor or short tasks may be legally considered part of your workday.
Why This Matters
Unpaid pre-shift time can result in significant wage theft over time. For example, 15 minutes per day over a five-day workweek adds up to 65 hours of unpaid labor per year—nearly two full workweeks. If you’re already close to 40 hours per week, that extra time could also push you into overtime pay territory, which should be compensated at 1.5 times your regular hourly rate.
Employers often try to justify this practice by labeling it as “voluntary” or “company culture,” but these justifications typically do not hold up in court. If an employer expects or requires early arrival for work-related tasks, it is likely compensable time under the law.
What Can Employees Do?
If you believe you are working off the clock, here’s how to protect your rights:
Document your time. Keep track of when you arrive and what tasks you complete before your shift officially begins.
Speak up. Politely raise the issue with your employer or HR department and request that the time be included in your paid hours.
Consult an employment attorney. Wage claims can be difficult to prove without legal support, especially if the employer denies wrongdoing.
We Can Help You Recover What You're Owed
At NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC, we help employees recover unpaid wages and overtime they are legally entitled to. If your employer has been requiring early arrival without pay—or otherwise manipulating time records to avoid overtime—legal action may be necessary. We can help you assess your case, calculate your unpaid time, and file a claim to get justice.
If this sounds like your experience, we invite you to read more about early arrival and overtime pay in New Jersey to better understand your rights.
Conclusion
Your time is valuable—and it should be compensated. Don’t let unpaid pre-shift hours chip away at your earnings. If you're being asked to arrive early or stay late without pay, it's time to take a stand. At NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC, we’re here to ensure New Jersey employees are treated—and paid—fairly.
Contact Information:
NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC
101 Eisenhower Pkwy #300
Roseland, NJ 07068
(973) 358-7027