Is Being at Your Desk Early Considered Overtime in NJ?

Many New Jersey employees find themselves arriving early to their desks to prepare for the workday—booting up systems, reviewing emails, or getting mentally prepared before the official start time. But an important question arises: Should this time be compensated? Is showing up 15 minutes early legally considered overtime?

At NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC, we hear this question often, and it’s more than valid. The answer depends on the nature of your work, your employer’s expectations, and how consistently the early time is spent performing job-related duties. Understanding what qualifies as compensable time under state and federal wage laws can help ensure you’re not working for free.

What the Law Says About Pre-Shift Work

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and New Jersey’s Wage and Hour Law, any time an employee is “suffered or permitted” to work may be considered compensable. That means if your employer knows—or should know—that you’re working early and allows it to happen, you may be entitled to overtime pay, especially if those minutes push your total weekly hours beyond 40.

This includes tasks like:

Powering up essential computer systems
Reviewing mandatory emails or updates
Prepping tools or workspace necessary for your shift
Answering work-related calls or attending pre-shift meetings

If these tasks are being performed at the employer’s benefit, they cannot expect them to be done “off the clock.”

When Early Arrival Might Not Count

There are situations where early arrival might not be considered paid time. If you choose to arrive early voluntarily—perhaps to enjoy coffee, socialize, or prepare personally without direction or implied obligation—this time may not qualify for compensation.

However, if management subtly or explicitly expects early arrival as a condition of good performance or company culture, that line begins to blur—and could potentially cross into unpaid labor territory.

Your Rights Under New Jersey Law

New Jersey takes employee rights seriously. If your employer has a policy of ignoring pre-shift work time or discouraging you from reporting it, they may be violating wage laws. Employees who are misclassified as “exempt” or denied overtime despite working over 40 hours a week are often entitled to back pay, penalties, and interest.

If you’re unsure whether your early arrival counts as paid time, it’s worth having your situation reviewed. NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC offers insights and legal representation for wage and hour disputes statewide. You shouldn’t have to give away your time for free—especially when it benefits your employer.

Documenting and Reporting Violations

Keep a daily log of your arrival times and work tasks performed before your shift starts
Review your pay stubs and time records for inconsistencies
Report discrepancies to your HR department (in writing, if possible)
Speak with an experienced employment attorney for legal evaluation

Time is money, and if you’re routinely spending part of your day working without pay, you have the right to challenge it.

Contact Information

NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC
101 Eisenhower Pkwy #300
Roseland
NJ
07068
(973) 358-7027
https://njplaintiff.com/ask-the-attorney-is-being-at-our-desks-15-minutes-early-considered-overtime/

Is Being at Your Desk Early Considered Overtime in NJ?