When does the workday begin for remote workers?

That was the question before a district court in a case involving hourly remote workers. The employer required them to be “call ready.” This meant logging onto computers, entering passwords, and opening various programs. The employees claimed that this prep time should count in their hours. The court said no. A compensable activity must be both integral and indispensable. Although the prep activities were indispensable, they weren’t integral to the productive work of the remote workers. Note: Other courts have held to the contrary, concluding that booting up activities were part of the compensable workday. Check the controlling court decisions in your location. #IdeaoftheDay