According to the FLSA, a workweek is defined as a period of how many hours?

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) defines a workweek as a period of 168 hours, which corresponds to a full week or seven consecutive 24-hour days. This definition is critical because it establishes the framework for calculating overtime pay and determining employee work schedules under the Act. The FLSA stipulates that any employee who works more than 40 hours in a workweek is entitled to receive overtime pay, typically at a rate of one and one-half times their regular rate of pay for those extra hours.

Understanding that a workweek comprises 168 hours helps define the overall time frame within which work time calculations take place. This clarity is essential for employers to ensure they are compliant with labor laws regarding wages and hours worked. It provides a foundation for evaluating whether employees are correctly compensated for the work they perform within that designated time span.