We found this interesting. Is the annual convention a “fun” event? We don’t require our employees or franchisees to attend, but should we pay them when they are here? Interesting discussion from the HR Support Center.

Question:

Do we need to pay employees for voluntary, fun events where no work is performed?

Answer from Kim, SPHR, AAM, CPIW:

“You are not required to pay non-exempt employees (those paid by the hour and entitled to overtime) for time spent at company functions when attendance is completely voluntary, no work is performed, the event occurs outside of regular working hours, and the event is not job-related. If these conditions are met, no pay is needed for non-exempt employees.

Exempt employees (those not entitled to overtime) do not need to be paid extra for time spent attending a company function. They should be paid their usual salary whether or not they attend the voluntary function.”

Kim has held many Senior level HR positions including VP of HR and Administration for a California-based Workers’ Compensation TPA, Director of HR for a benefit and risk management company, and board positions with a professional insurance association. Kim spends her free time tracking down her grown sons.

Questions?
Payroll Medics
218-A Trade Street
Greer, SC 29651 Phone: (864) 640-8981

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