Can my employer require me to check my email off the clock?
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Can my employer require me to check my email off the clock?
My boss says that it is mandatory that we check our work email once a day, even
on our days off. Can they do this, and do they have to play me for that time?
Asked on August 23, 2017 under Employment Labor Law, Connecticut
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
1) Yes, they can require you to do this: the employer determines when you work, and can require you to work off your normal schedule (e.g. on days off).
2) The law doesn't require them to pay for "de minimis" time you spend not a work, but if it takes more than a few minutes, you should be paid, even if it's not your normal work time. Track the time; if it takes you more than 5 minutes, they should start having to pay you for it.
This assumes you are an hourly employee. If salaried, they do not owe you any extra money; your weekly salary is your total compensation for *all* work during the week.
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