710: Differential Pay

Statement

Georgetown University provides premium differential pay for evening and night hours worked by employees in designated classifications.  The University determines which job classifications are eligible for differential pay based on the current and critical needs of the organization. 

Shift differential is considered a premium payment; it is not considered a part of base pay.

Philosophy

Shift differential is used by the University to attract and retain qualified full-time and part-time employees for specific job classifications assigned to evening and night hours.  Differential pay recognizes work hours that fall outside the normal work day.

Procedures

Eligibility for Differential Pay 
Shift differential is paid for full 8, 10, or 12 hour shifts scheduled to begin between 11:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. the following day, provided the majority of straight time hours are worked between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Shift differential is not paid when an employee is on a paid leave (i.e., sick, vacation, holiday, etc.) 

To be eligible for shift differential, the employee must be scheduled by the supervisor to work the hours covered by differential pay. 

The Human Resources departments are responsible for designating which job classifications are eligible for differential pay; the departments may not make this designation. 

Notice 
Eligible employees will be informed prior to employment in or transfer to positions having differential status. 

Changes in Status 
A department may request a change in the differential status of an established or new job classification by submitting a written justification for the change to the appropriate Human Resources department.  Human Resources will review the request and advise the department in writing of the final decision. 

The designated classifications for differential pay are based on the business needs of the University.  The University may change the differential status of a job classification at any time, without notice. 

Time Recording 
Shift differential must be recorded according to University payroll procedures. Employees who are paid hourly must have their differential pay recorded on the Time and Attendance Sheet for Hourly Employees daily.  All other employees must have their time recorded on a Lump Sum Payment Form.  Forms must be submitted within five work days after the end of the pay period in which the eligible hours were worked. 

All evening and night hours that are scheduled, worked and recorded must be reviewed by the immediate supervisor.

Responsibility

Supervisors are responsible for administering differential pay in a proper and timely manner. The Human Resources departments will assist supervisors and departments with this task.

Resources

Contact the appropriate Human Resources department and/or the University and Hospital Payroll Offices if you have questions about this policy or if you would like more information.