What is Overtime Pay?
Overtime pay is the additional compensation an employee receives for working beyond the standard working hours. In India, overtime is governed by the Factories Act 1948 and the Shops and Establishments Act of each state. These laws mandate that employees must be paid at a higher rate for work done beyond normal hours.
Understanding overtime is crucial for both employers managing their salary structure in India and employees ensuring fair compensation. Overtime rules apply across industries, from IT to hospitality, though specific provisions vary by state and sector.
- The Factories Act 1948 mandates overtime at twice (2x) the ordinary rate of wages for factory workers
- Most Shops and Establishments Acts also prescribe 2x overtime rate for commercial establishments
- Standard working hours are 8-9 hours per day and 48 hours per week in most states
- Employers must maintain overtime registers and records as per Section 59 of the Factories Act