Non-exempt employees are only paid when they perform work, and a snowed-in employee performs no work. Therefore the employee won’t be paid for the snow day. If the employer’s policy permits it, the non-exempt employee can choose to use PTO for the day.

What responsibilities do employers have during natural disasters?

When it comes to natural disasters, consider the following under OSHA: Employers are responsible to protect employees from unreasonable danger in the workplace, which includes an imminent “natural phenomenon” that will threaten employee safety and health.

Can I use a sick day for a snow day?

An employer may deduct a full day from an exempt employee’s pay when that employee is absent for a personal reason other than sickness or disability, for example. The FLSA permits employers to require exempt and nonexempt employees to use accrued leave for absences, even when employers are closed during a snowstorm.

Do you get paid when the office closes?

This is also true if the business opens and the employee cannot report for work due to weather conditions. If employees want to be paid for the day, the employer may require such employees to use paid time off, vacation, or personal days. Exempt workers are a different story.

Do you have to pay employees during inclement weather?

If the employer closes for some of a workweek due to inclement weather, it must pay an exempt worker his or her usual salary if the employee performs any work during the workweek, even if remotely, Robinson noted.

Can a company require an exempt employee to use paid time off?

See 29 C.F.R. § 541.602 (a). However, nothing in this rule restricts an employer from requiring its exempt employee to use paid time off or vacation or personal days for the days when the business is closed, so long as the employer is paying the exempt employee the full salary.

Do you have to be paid if your office is closed due to a storm?

If you’re an exempt employee (salaried and not eligible for overtime): If you work any portion of the week, you have to be paid your full salary for the week … even if your office closes because of the storm. They can, however, require you to use a vacation day for that day.