Overtime refers to the additional hours an employee works beyond their standard work schedule, typically exceeding 40 hours per week in many countries. Employers often compensate overtime hours at a higher pay rate, commonly known as time and a half, which means employees earn 1.5 times their regular hourly wage for those extra hours. In many industries, overtime is necessary to meet increased demand or project deadlines. However, regulations regarding overtime pay can vary by country and industry, with some workers exempt from receiving overtime compensation based on their job roles or salary levels. Understanding these rules is essential for both employers and employees.