There are a few professional ways to politely decline overtime work requests: Express your availability. Explain that you have prior commitments or personal obligations that prevent you from working overtime during that time period. Offer to help another time if possible. Suggest alternatives.
Some employers try to avoid paying overtime by moving their employee's hours between workweeks or averaging it between two workweeks. For example, some employers will try to avoid paying overtime to an employee who works 50 hours by only having them work 30 hours the following week.
The law allows employers to classify those employees earning over $455 per week as salaried workers. In this case, overtime regulations don't apply. For that reason, employers attempt to misclassify employees making below that threshold as salaried and avoid paying overtime rates in this way.
In Georgia, employers are not legally required to provide their employees with a break, including rest and meal breaks. Therefore, it is legal for employees to work 8 hours without a break.
Briefly explain the reason for the overtime request so they understand the context. Acknowledge that it may require flexibility on your part and express willingness to discuss scheduling. Close politely and offer to discuss further if needed. The tone should be respectful, appreciative, and flexible.
Start with a polite greeting and ask if they are open to you working overtime, rather than just telling them you need to. Briefly explain the reason for the overtime request so they understand the context. Acknowledge that it may require flexibility on your part and express willingness to discuss scheduling.
The minimum wage laws in Georgia do not implement a rigid maximum cap on the hours an employee can work within a single day or week. However, since most employees are covered under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, the federal definition of workweek would apply.