Definition

Noun Time off from work that is granted to an employee as compensation for having worked extra hours beyond their regular schedule, instead of receiving additional monetary payment (overtime pay).

Usage

"Compensatory time" is a formal term used primarily in workplace and human resources contexts. It refers to a specific policy where an employee earns paid time off for overtime work, rather than extra wages. It is often abbreviated informally as "comp time."

Examples

• The company offers compensatory time instead of overtime pay for weekend shifts.
• She accumulated 20 hours of compensatory time last month and plans to use it for a vacation.
• According to the policy, you must request approval to use your compensatory time at least one week in advance.

Advanced Usage

• "To bank compensatory time": To save or accumulate earned comp time for future use.
  • Instead of taking time off immediately, he chose to bank his compensatory time for the end of the year.
• "To cash out compensatory time": To receive monetary payment for unused comp time, often upon leaving a job.
  • When she resigned, she was able to cash out all her accrued compensatory time.

Variants and Related Words

• Comp time (n.): A common informal abbreviation for "compensatory time."
  • I have some comp time I need to use before the end of the quarter.

Synonyms

• Time off in lieu (TOIL)
• Comp time (informal abbreviation)

Notes on Different Meanings

"Compensatory time" has a very specific meaning in employment law and workplace policy. It should not be confused with: * Flex time: A schedule that allows variable starting and ending times for work. * Personal time/Vacation time: Paid time off granted as part of standard benefits, not earned through overtime. * Overtime pay: Additional money paid for hours worked beyond the standard schedule.

Noun

1. time off that is granted to a worker as compensation for working overtime