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Employment
Can a company require you to work seven days a week?

Can a company require you to work seven days a week?

Full question:

Can a company make you work seven days a week?

Category: Employment
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Illinois

Answer:

Assuming your job isn't regulated by a state or federal agency, a company can require you to work seven days a week. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) governs hours worked and overtime pay. Most businesses are involved in interstate commerce, so the FLSA applies broadly. However, certain employees are exempt from its provisions, including:

Independent contractors
Executive, administrative, and professional employees (white collar exemption)
Certain outside commissioned salespeople

Under the FLSA, nonexempt employees must be paid 1.5 times their regular rate for hours worked beyond 40 in a week. Salaried employees may also be entitled to overtime unless they fall under one of the exemptions. To calculate overtime for a salaried employee, divide their weekly salary by the number of hours they usually work, then multiply by 1.5 for hours over 40.

The FLSA also includes child labor provisions to ensure children stay in school. Individuals 18 or older are not covered by these provisions. Those aged 16-17 can work in nonhazardous jobs without hour limits, while children 14-15 can only work in nonhazardous jobs with restricted hours. Generally, children under 14 cannot work.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What are the limits on how many hours an employer can require you to work?

In general, there are no federal limits on how many hours an employer can require you to work in a week, as long as you are paid appropriately for overtime if you are a nonexempt employee. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), nonexempt employees must receive 1.5 times their regular pay for hours worked over 40 in a week. However, certain employees, such as independent contractors and some salaried workers, may not be entitled to overtime pay. Always check your specific employment contract and state laws for additional regulations.

Can employers force employees to work weekends?

Yes, employers can require employees to work on weekends unless there is a specific agreement or contract that states otherwise. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) does not prohibit weekend work, but employees must be compensated according to their classification. Nonexempt employees should receive overtime pay for hours worked beyond 40 in a week. Always review your employment terms and local labor laws for any additional requirements.

Are there any exceptions for working long hours?

Yes, there are exceptions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Certain employees, such as independent contractors and those in executive, administrative, or professional roles, may not be entitled to overtime pay and can be required to work long hours without additional compensation. Additionally, specific state laws may provide further protections or stipulations regarding work hours. It's important to check both federal and state regulations that apply to your situation.

What if I refuse to work extra hours?

If you refuse to work extra hours, the consequences depend on your employment agreement and the company's policies. Employers can terminate or discipline employees who do not comply with reasonable work requests, especially if the refusal violates a contract or company policy. However, if you are a nonexempt employee, you cannot be forced to work beyond your contracted hours without proper compensation. Always consult your employment contract and local labor laws for guidance.

What rights do employees have regarding overtime pay?

Employees classified as nonexempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) have the right to receive overtime pay at a rate of 1.5 times their regular pay for hours worked over 40 in a week. Employers are required to keep accurate records of hours worked. If you believe you are not receiving proper overtime pay, you can file a complaint with the Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor or seek legal counsel for assistance.