Can your employer force you to work more hours?
Michael Gray
Updated on March 31, 2026
“Yes,” your employer can require you to work overtime and can fire you if you refuse, according to the Fair Labor Standards Act or FLSA (29 U.S.C. § 201 and following), the federal overtime law. The FLSA sets no limits on how many hours a day or week your employer can require you to work.
Can a company mandate overtime?
The answer is yes, an employer can force employees to work mandatory overtime. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is responsible for establishing the 40-hour work week for employees. The law does not place a maximum limit on the number of hours employers can require their employees to work.
How do you tell your boss you’re working too many hours?
Say something like: “I really have a lot on my plate right now. I can let you know this afternoon if this is possible.” Strategy 2: Provide a proactive solution. Instead of outright shutting your manager down, try to provide a way to get the task done without overworking yourself.
Can an employer make you work more than 48 hours a week?
Legally, your employer can’t make you work more than 48 hours a week, including overtime. If they want you to work more than that, your employer has to ask you to opt out of the 48-hour limit. Find out more about the maximum weekly working time limit.
How many hours is an employee required to work?
Often, this does not exceed a 45 or 50-hour work week. If a job requires 55 or 60 (or more) hours to perform, many would consider it a poorly-designed job. “Work time” constitutes any and all time an employee spends performing duties and activities related to completion of the job.
Can a non exempt employee work more than 40 hours a week?
Exempt employees can work as many hours are you want them to without increasing their pay. You must pay your Non-exempt employees for every hour they work. They also must receive overtime pay when they reach 40 hours a week (and in some states, if they work more than eight hours in one day). You cannot just say, “I want everyone to be on salary.”
How many hours does an employee have to work to be considered overtime?
Employee Overtime: Hours, Pay and Who is Covered. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) states that any work over 40 hours in a 168 hour period is counted as overtime, since the average American work week is 40 hours – that’s eight hours per day for five days a week.
Is it legal to work over 40 hours a week?
OSHA has not established a legal maximum number of hours an employee can work per week. However, nonexempt workers are entitled to time and a half pay for working over 40 hours.