In today’s world, where work plays an increasingly central role, the issue of overtime is critical. Tracking overtime hours is not just an administrative formality; it’s a matter of social justice, workplace well-being, and organizational performance. Let’s explore why it’s so important.
Legal and Economic Context
Tracking overtime ensures compliance with labor laws. In Canada, for example, the Canada Labour Code requires employees to be paid at an increased rate for each overtime hour worked. Organizations that fail to comply with this rule risk fines and legal actions, which can be costly.
According to a study by the International Labour Organization (ILO), unpaid overtime costs employees billions of dollars annually worldwide. By properly tracking these hours, organizations can prevent such losses and contribute to a more equitable distribution of income.
Employee Well-Being
Tracking overtime is also a matter of workplace well-being. Studies show that working too much overtime can increase the risk of physical and mental health issues. For instance, research published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that employees working more than 55 hours a week have a 33% higher risk of stroke compared to those working 35-40 hours.
By ensuring that overtime hours are accurately tracked and compensated, employers can promote a better work-life balance. This reduces stress, lowers absenteeism, and enhances employee satisfaction and productivity.
Ethical Implications
Ethically, failing to track overtime exploits workers. This practice often stems from an organizational culture that prioritizes the quantity of work over quality, disregarding employees' rights.
Respecting overtime is a hallmark of corporate social responsibility (CSR). A study by the Harvard Business Review showed that organizations with strong CSR practices, including respecting overtime, enjoy better reputations and attract more talent.
Impact on Organizational Performance
Tracking overtime also contributes to better human resource management. The data collected helps plan projects more effectively and distribute tasks more fairly. This can improve efficiency and reduce costs associated with employee turnover.
A study by Deloitte revealed that organizations that accurately track and compensate overtime report higher levels of performance and productivity. Employees feel valued and are more engaged in their work.
Conclusion
Tracking overtime is much more than a legal obligation. It’s an act of social justice that protects employee well-being, respects their rights, and fosters an ethical and high-performing corporate culture.
By taking this practice seriously, organizations can avoid legal and financial consequences, strengthen their reputation, attract talent, and improve team satisfaction and productivity.
Feuille de Temps
We developed Feuille de Temps to automatically calculate overtime for all your employees.
Our tool is designed to help you avoid calculation errors and simplify tracking work hours. It saves you time so you can focus on what really matters.