Answer from Eric, SPHR, SHRM-SCP:
In general, if an exempt employee performs any work during the workweek, you must pay them their full salary amount. Deductions are allowed, however, for legally required withholding and benefit elections.
There are a handful of other situations in which a deduction from an exempt employee’s salary would be permissible under federal law:
For any workweek in which the employee performs absolutely no work
In the initial or final week of employment based on the number of hours actually worked
For absences of one or more full days for personal reasons other than sickness or disability
For absences of one or more full days due to sickness or disability, if the deduction is made in accordance with a bona fide paid sick leave plan (the Department of Labor has historically said that bona fide means providing at least five days of paid leave per year that can be used for illness)
To offset amounts the employee receives from jury or witness fees or for military pay
For penalties imposed in good faith for infractions of safety rules of major significance, in accordance with a clearly established workplace policy (some states do not allow this deduction)
For unpaid disciplinary suspensions of one or more full days imposed in good faith for workplace conduct rule infractions (some states do not allow this deduction)
For leave taken under the Family and Medical Leave Act
If none of these situations apply, an exempt employee must receive the full salary for any week in which they perform any work, regardless of the number of days or hours worked.
Eric has extensive experience in HR, leadership, and training. He has held several senior HR positions, including as the HR & Operations Manager for an award-winning interactive marketing agency and as HR Director for a national law firm. Eric graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Economics from the University of Oregon.
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