Productivity Rise

Have you heard? Washington reported last week that even though unemployment is at its highest in 25 years at 10.2%, that employers have become more productive in the third quarter. That’s great news right!? Well yes and no. The fact that productivity has risen means that employers have found ways to be more efficient but with less employees, which gives them little or no reason to hire anytime soon. That’s bad news for the jobless and people who currently have jobs, as this productivity comes at a time when companies continue to layoff employees and shrink wages, thus putting a strain on consumer spending which accounts for 70% of economic activity. This makes you ponder, are employees working harder and longer hours because they are afraid of being laid-off?

So how does one go about handling this situation? You want to keep your job, so you work hard to prove your worth, but how do you know that your employer is not taking advantage of the situation, overworking you and not compensating you for the hours you put in.

Exempt vs. Nonexempt

This requires you to know your employee status and your rights. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act an employee is either exempt or nonexempt. Nonexempt workers are entitled to overtime pay, exempt workers are not.

Nonexempt Rights

• Entitled to time and a half their regular rate of pay for each hour they work.

Exempt Rights

• Virtually has no rights whatsoever regarding overtime
• Only receives base salary for work performed
• Is not prohibited from punching a clock or working a particular schedule given by the employer
• Does not prohibit employer from requiring employee to make up time due to absences
• Neither does the FLSA limit the amount of work an employer may require
• Mandatory overtime is not restricted

Be aware that these rights are limited to the Fair Labor Standards Act and that Exempt employees may have rights due to specific laws, employment policies and contracts, therefore it would be good to review the employment policies at your workplace or your working contract to see what are your rights regarding the matter.

Coping with feelings of Overwork

Due to the high unemployment rate and the fear of losing your job, you may experience the feeling of being overworked.

How do you cope?

• Ask your employer about a work reduction or alternate work options
• Use relaxation techniques to reduce stress
• Set time aside to be off limits e.g. turn cell off, don’t check email for a period of time
• Be available when needed the most ( Can lead to you having time off when you need it )

Posted by Syddel on November 10, 2009 at 11:32 pm.