Home / Glossary / Off-the-Clock Work

California Employment Law Glossary

Off-the-Clock Work
Wage & Hour

 

Definition


 

Working 'off the clock' means performing job duties before clocking in, after clocking out, or during unpaid breaks - without compensation. California employers are required to pay for every minute of work, including pre-shift preparation, post-shift duties, and mandatory training. Systematic off-the-clock practices are a common form of wage theft and frequently support class action or PAGA claims.


Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. California employers must pay for all time you're required to work, including pre-shift setup, post-shift cleanup, and mandatory training, even if it happens outside your scheduled clock-in and clock-out times.

No. If you're required to keep working during what should be an off-duty meal break, your employer owes you a one-hour meal break premium in addition to your regular pay for that time.

Think this applies to you?

Off-the-clock time is stolen time - and California law gives employees real remedies. A free case review can help you recover every dollar owed.
Get a Free Case Review

This glossary is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship with Lawyers for Employee and Consumer Rights. Laws change - for advice specific to your situation, contact our office for a free case review.