by Vanessa M. Greene, J.D.; Employment Law Subject Matter Expert, CalChamber
When it comes to overtime pay, California plays by its own rules. Unlike federal law, which only requires overtime after an employee has worked 40 hours in a workweek, California mandates overtime after eight hours in a workday and double time after twelve . Additionally, employees who work seven consecutive days in a defined workweek must be paid overtime.
It’s important for employers to clearly define their workweek and workday, because California's overtime rules depend heavily on how many hours are worked within each defined workday and workweek. Not following California’s overtime-related laws can lead to costly mistakes if overlooked. Understanding how and when overtime applies, and to whom, is essential for maintaining compliance and avoiding wage claims, penalties or lawsuits.
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