Regular Time

Regular Time refers to the standard hours an employee is scheduled or expected to work in a typical workweek, as defined by company policy or labor laws. Compensation for regular time is usually at the employee’s standard hourly wage without overtime or special premiums. These hours form the foundation for calculating payroll, determining benefits eligibility, and ensuring compliance with labor standards.

Regular time excludes hours worked during holidays, weekends, or outside of scheduled shifts, which may be subject to different pay rates or conditions. It is also used to determine when overtime pay begins, based on thresholds established by employment standards legislation.

Key Facts

• Standard Work Hours: Typically 40 hours per week but can vary by employer or jurisdiction.
• Base Pay Calculation: Employees are paid their regular rate for these hours, excluding overtime or bonuses.
• Excludes Overtime: Hours worked beyond regular time may be compensated differently under overtime rules.
• Important for Payroll: Used to calculate wages, benefits eligibility, and leave accruals.
• Defined by Law or Contract: May be set by labor laws, union agreements, or company policies.

1. What counts as regular time?

The agreed-upon hours an employee works before overtime applies, usually the first 40 hours in a week.

2. How is regular time different from overtime?

Regular time is paid at the normal hourly rate, while overtime is paid at a higher rate for extra hours worked.

3. Can regular time hours vary by job or company?

Yes, some industries or companies have different standard workweek lengths.

4. How does regular time affect benefits?

Benefits like vacation accruals often depend on the number of regular hours worked.

5. Is regular time always paid hourly?

Salaried employees have a set salary regardless of hours, but regular time still defines their expected work schedule.