Overtime Limits
Configure overtime thresholds and get alerts when employees approach limits.
Understanding Overtime Rules
Overtime rules vary by location and can be complex. SimpleStaff supports multiple overtime calculation methods:
| Type | Threshold | Where It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly Overtime | >40 hours/week | Federal (FLSA), most US states |
| Daily Overtime | >8 hours/day | California, Alaska, Nevada, Puerto Rico |
| Double Time | >12 hours/day | California |
| 7th Day | 7th consecutive day | California |
| Canadian OT | Varies by province | 44 hrs (ON), 40 hrs (BC), etc. |
Configuring Overtime Rules
Go to Rules Settings
Navigate to Settings → Rules & Compliance → Overtime.
Enable Overtime Tracking
Toggle on "Track Overtime" to enable automatic monitoring.
Set Your Thresholds
Configure the overtime rules for your location:
Choose Alert Timing
Set when to receive warnings:
- • At threshold: Alert when exactly at the limit
- • Approaching threshold: Alert at 90% of limit (36 hours)
- • Custom: Set your own warning point
Set Enforcement Level
Choose what happens when overtime is exceeded:
- • Allow with warning: Shows alert, allows scheduling
- • Require approval: Manager must approve overtime
- • Block: Prevent scheduling past threshold
Workweek Configuration
Your workweek start day affects when overtime resets. By default, SimpleStaff uses Sunday-Saturday, but you can customize this:
- 1.Go to Settings → General → Workweek
- 2.Select your workweek start day (e.g., Monday for Mon-Sun)
- 3.Set the start time (e.g., 12:00 AM or 6:00 AM)
Important: Your workweek definition must be consistent. Changing it frequently can cause compliance issues. Consult with HR before making changes.
Viewing Overtime in Schedules
When creating or viewing schedules, overtime is highlighted:
Yellow highlight when employee is near the overtime threshold.
Red highlight when employee will be in overtime.
You can also see a weekly hours summary for each employee in the schedule sidebar, showing:
- • Currently scheduled hours
- • Projected overtime hours
- • Hours remaining until OT threshold
Approving Overtime
If your overtime rules require approval, managers can approve or deny overtime requests:
- 1.When a schedule exceeds overtime, a notification appears
- 2.Click "Review" to see the overtime details
- 3.Choose to Approve or Deny
- 4.Add a reason (optional but recommended for audit trail)
Tip: Enable email notifications in Settings → Notifications to get alerted when overtime approval is needed.
Overtime Reports
Track overtime trends and costs with built-in reports:
Weekly Hours Report
Shows total hours and overtime hours for each employee by week.
Overtime Summary
Aggregated overtime hours by department or team over time.
Overtime Cost Estimate
Estimated overtime costs based on configured pay rates (if enabled).
Access reports at Reports → Hours & Overtime.
Related Articles
Questions about overtime rules?
Contact Support