CHARLOTTE – YES. If an employee is working before their scheduled shift( examples- but not limited to- answering phone, emails, normal work duties, etc.) you must still pay them for all the time they do work. However, as the employer, you can remind them to not begin work before their scheduled shift.

Note that the Fair Labor Standards Act(FLSA) requires employers to pay employees for all hours worked, including overtime hours. This applies to work performed away from the employer’s worksite or premises, such as telework performed at the employee’s home. If the employer knows or has any reason to believe that the work is being performed, the time must be counted as hours worked.

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