›

Attending College Courses

njjelnjjel 1,235 Posts
in HR & Employment Law Vote Up0Vote Down
An hourly employee has been asked if she would like to take an online college course and the company will pay for it. She works on this at night from home. Are we obligated to pay her for the time she spends working on this course?
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter

Comments

  • 3 Comments sorted by Votes Date Added
  • NaeNae55NaeNae55 3,243 Posts
    PMVote Up0Vote Down
    Is this just something you are offering everyone as a benefit, or does she need it to keep her job? If it is a job requirement, you need to pay her for it. If it is really her choice (and you just happen to be paying), then you don't have to pay her for course time.

    Good luck!

    Nae
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter
  • njjelnjjel 1,235 Posts
    PMVote Up0Vote Down
    the offer was made to just her and she doesn't have to take it to keep her job it will just give her more education in the field of HR. I'd like to hear other opinions on this one too.
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter
  • SMaceSMace 1,481 Posts
    PMVote Up0Vote Down
    Not that I can determine. This is from the FLSA:

    § 785.31 Special situations.
    There are some special situations where the time spent in attending lectures,
    training sessions and courses of instruction is not regarded as hours worked. For example, an employer may establish for the benefit of his employees
    a program of instruction which corresponds
    to courses offered by independent
    bona fide institutions of learning.
    Voluntary attendance by an employee
    at such courses outside of working
    hours would not be hours worked even if they are directly related to his job, or paid for by the employer.

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter
Sign In or Register to comment.