FLSA Considerations for Senior Living and Social Services Organizations
Recently, employers have experienced an increase in Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) wage and hour class action lawsuits. Senior living and social services organization employers are no exception and should take particular note of the following issues:
Paid vs. Unpaid Meal Breaks
Many senior living and social services organization employers’ payroll systems include automatic 30-minute deductions for unpaid employee meal breaks. This may be a risk-adverse practice considering the current staffing environment and responsibilities of senior living and social services employees. Employees must be paid for missed or interrupted meal breaks.
Considerations for employers:
- Discontinue use of automated meal break deductions OR implement a process to account for missed/interrupted meal break time.
- Require employees to punch in/out for actual unpaid break time or incorporate a paid meal break policy.
- Designate a separate meal break area away from the work environment.
- Set clear expectations regarding cellphone/pager monitoring during unpaid break time and whether employees are required to remain on-site during meal breaks.
Employers should ensure that employees and supervisors are educated on any adopted process.
Time Clock Rounding
The “7-minute rule” (rounding down or up to the nearest quarter hour) is permissible according to the Department of Labor (DOL). However, there has been a significant increase in class action lawsuits due to this practice. Rounding must not result in the failure to compensate an employee for the work they actually performed.
Considerations for employers:
- Record exact time punches instead of rounding.
- Round up to the nearest quarter hour if rounding is utilized.
Non-Discretionary Bonuses in OT Calculations
Many senior living and social services organization employers offer non-discretionary bonuses to employees, such as additional pay for picking up shifts and COVID pay. Non-discretionary bonuses must be calculated into the employee’s regular pay rate when determining overtime pay.
Considerations for employers:
- Properly identify non-discretionary bonuses offered to employees.
- Audit payroll practices to ensure non-discretionary bonuses are included in overtime pay calculation.
In addition to these issues in the senior living and social services industry, these areas are worth attention as well:
- Accurate classification of exempt vs. non-exempt employees- DOL Fact Sheet.
- Non-payment for compensable time, such as travel time during work hours, training and education, investigations/discipline, infection control requirements (onsite vaccination clinics, COVID testing, etc.).
- Remote work policies that should include eligibility for remote work, expected work hours, reporting of hours worked and adherence to the employer’s over-time policy.
Key Takeaway
FLSA wage and hour class action law suits can be very costly for employers in the senior living and social services industry. These employers would be well-served to address the issues and considerations outlined above, and consider internal controls and engagement with an employment law attorney for a comprehensive wage and hour review. A standard Employment Practices Liability insurance policy may include limited wage and hour coverage to recoup attorney fees and defense costs, but will not cover any judgments or settlements. Contact your M3 account executive for more details.
This information should not be construed as legal advice. In all cases, employers should consult with their own legal counsel.
