Should I Ask to Be Paid to Set-Up My Desk?

Dear Deb:

My employer is moving to a larger facility next week.  We are a 6-month old start-up company. The owner said he’d like “all hands on deck” to help with the office set-up.  We’re essentially moving our own desk contents, but professional movers and technicians will have already set up furniture and computers.  They are serving us an Olive Garden lunch and giving us each a movie gift certificate --- but, we don’t get paid for those 2 or so hours that we are setting up!!!!  I think that is against the law.  My wife tells me not to rock the boat because it is a good job with potential for progression into management. I think I should be paid. Really, some pasta and a $15 movie certificate. Are you kidding me?

Am I overreacting or is there some legal action I can take to get paid for those hours worked.  I am a tech support level 3 and get paid $23 an hour.

Thank you,

Ben

Dear Ben:

It sounds like an exciting time at your company.  Growing enough to move to a new facility within six months is fantastic.

I am not an attorney, so I can’t advise you regarding legal action.  However, as a long-time career advisor who has worked in Human Resources and also as the owner of a career services company, I have some suggestions for you.  This is two hours of setting up your desk combined with a catered lunch and a movie certificate.  Don’t know about you, but I think I could set up my new workspace in under an hour and then head for the lunch.  I would not press for payment. Instead, I would enjoy the camaraderie as you all celebrate the company’s growth and the new space.   Then take your wife to a movie and forget about it.

I wish you success in your career!

Deb