Navigating workplace rules can be tricky, especially regarding timekeeping and wages. TikTok user Shylo recently shared a dilemma where her repeated forgetfulness to clock out for lunch—37 times in six months, to be exact—resulted in an unexpected $600 overpayment. Labeled as ‘time fraud’ by her manager, this situation has erupted into a broader online discussion.
The debate swirls around employee responsibility, managerial roles, and where to draw the line between an honest oversight and intentional deceit.
“Forgetting” to Clock Out
Shylo’s story, which she shared on her TikTok account, quickly went viral, accumulating over 312,000 views. In the video, she humorously depicts her point of view, suggesting that her repeated failure to clock out for lunch wasn’t an accident.
She even stated in a comment,
“If I’m in the building I’m getting paid lmaoo.”
This admission has led to a divide among viewers, with some admitting to similar practices and others sharing their own stories of being unjustly accused of time fraud.
Public Response
Some commenters were ready to admit that they, too, have played tricks with their timesheets.
“Me ’cause if I clock out at 3:01 instead of 3:00 I get paid until 3:15,” a user wrote.
“I’ve literally never clocked out for breaks or lunch,” another user added.
However, others were quick to tell their stories of questionable time fraud or time theft allegations.
“I forgot to clock out once when I left work, because I was having a MISCARRIAGE, at age 20, and got fired for time fraud,” alleged a commenter.
“My manager tried to say I was committing time fraud for forgetting to clock in/out (I would fix it later) but he literally did crack on shift so,” a second viewer commented.
“My old job just said I committed time fraud when I had a 7-minute bathroom break due to my PCOS,” a third wrote.
“You know if I clock in early or late but not if I’m clocked in for 30+ hours unscheduled??” asked an additional TikToker.
Even more users noted that if Shylo was able to get away with this for long enough for it to become an issue, it was likely indicative of a problem with the workplace itself.
“Your manager should have looked over your time before approving your card. It’s also on them too!” a user wrote.
“As a person who works in HR, it is NOT your fault!” echoed another TikToker. “Managers are literally supposed to track/approve hours on their end.”
The Complex Dynamics of Timekeeping
This incident underscores the complicated nature of workplace dynamics, especially concerning timekeeping and wage policies. While on the surface, it’s a story about an employee receiving unearned pay, the strong public reaction and the shared stories indicate that this is a pervasive issue.
Employees often forget to clock out, a seemingly simple mistake that can lead to significant consequences, including payroll inaccuracies and legal complications. Employers are responsible for maintaining accurate timesheets, as mandated by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), regardless of whether employees forget to clock in or out.
This legal obligation underscores the importance of precise time tracking for compliance and ensuring employees are compensated fairly for their time.
The issue extends beyond mere forgetfulness; it’s also about the integrity of workplace practices. When employees neglect to clock out, it doesn’t just affect payroll accuracy; it can also lead to suspicions of time theft, a serious concern that over 75% of companies experience.
Time theft isn’t always intentional, but when it happens, it can create a ripple effect, leading to mistrust, exhaustive investigations, and strained employer-employee relations. To combat this, companies are increasingly turning to sophisticated time tracking systems, emphasizing the importance of clocking in and out, and instituting strict policies with clear consequences for non-compliance.
These measures are not punitive but are designed to foster a culture of responsibility and mutual respect, crucial for any thriving workplace.
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Sources
- spica.com/blog/employees-forgetting-to-clock-in-and-out
- buddypunch.com/blog/downside-employees-not-clocking/
- traqq.com/blog/what-happens-if-you-forget-to-clock-out/
- smallbusiness.chron.com/happens-employee-forgets-clock-out-36733.html
This article was produced and syndicated by Viral Chatter. It was inspired by this video:
@hannah.bakerstwinOops♬ Just A Girl – No Doubt
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
