Overtime Costs Are Rising. Know Exactly Where Every Hour Goes.

Employees start the HiveDesk timer using the desktop app (Windows, macOS, Linux), mobile app (iOS), or Chrome extension. HiveDesk records all hours by task and project. When an employee exceeds the overtime threshold you configure — 40 hours per workweek by default — the software automatically flags the overtime hours and calculates overtime pay at 1.5x the regular rate. Managers see overtime data in real-time dashboards and in auto-generated timesheets.

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires employers to pay non-exempt employees at least 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek. A workweek is defined as any fixed, recurring period of 168 hours (seven consecutive 24-hour periods). Employers must also keep accurate records of hours worked, including overtime. Failure to comply can result in back-pay liability, liquidated damages, and Department of Labor penalties.

Yes. HiveDesk tracks hours at both the daily and weekly level. The default overtime threshold follows the federal FLSA rule of 40 hours per workweek, but you can configure it to match state-specific rules. For example, California requires overtime pay after 8 hours in a single workday, and double-time after 12 hours. You can adjust thresholds and rates in your account settings to match your jurisdiction.

Start by getting visibility into where overtime is happening. HiveDesk shows you which employees are approaching overtime thresholds in real time, so you can redistribute work before overtime kicks in. Use employee scheduling to cap shifts at 40 hours per week. Review task-level time data to identify work that consistently takes longer than expected — this often points to training needs or process inefficiencies. Finally, implement a clear overtime policy that defines when overtime is allowed and who can approve it.

Under the FLSA, overtime pay is calculated at 1.5 times the employee's regular hourly rate for every hour over 40 in a workweek. For example, an employee earning $20/hour who works 45 hours in a week earns $20 x 40 = $800 in regular pay, plus $30 x 5 = $150 in overtime pay, for a total of $950. HiveDesk calculates this automatically based on the rates you configure for each employee.

Inaccurate overtime records expose your business to significant legal and financial risk. Under the FLSA, employers who fail to pay proper overtime can be liable for back wages, an equal amount in liquidated damages, attorney fees, and court costs. The Department of Labor recovered over $274 million in back wages for workers in 2023 alone. State labor agencies add additional penalties. Accurate, automated overtime tracking is the most reliable way to avoid these risks.

HiveDesk lets you configure overtime thresholds and rates to match your state's requirements. While federal law uses a 40-hour weekly threshold, states like California require daily overtime after 8 hours and double-time after 12 hours. Colorado, Alaska, and Nevada also have daily overtime rules. You can set different overtime policies for employees in different states within the same HiveDesk account.

Yes. Employees have access to their own time data, including regular hours, overtime hours, and overtime pay calculations. This transparency reduces disputes about hours worked and pay. Employees can review their timesheets before managers approve them, and they always know when tracking is active.

HiveDesk generates automatic timesheets that separate regular hours from overtime hours for each employee. Overtime pay is pre-calculated based on the rates you configure. Managers review and approve timesheets through a built-in workflow, then export the approved data as Excel or PDF for your payroll software. No manual overtime calculations needed.

Overtime tracking is included in HiveDesk's single plan at $5 per user per month. There are no tiers, add-ons, or per-feature charges. You get overtime tracking, time tracking, employee scheduling, attendance management, leave tracking, screenshot monitoring, timesheets, and reporting — all included. There is a free 14-day trial with no credit card required.