Overtime refers to the extra hours an employee works beyond their regular work schedule. For example, if someone usually works 40 hours a week but puts in an additional 5 hours, those extra hours are considered overtime. Many companies pay employees a higher rate for overtime, often 1.5 times their regular pay, to encourage them to work longer hours when needed. In many countries, there are laws that regulate overtime pay to ensure workers are fairly compensated. This is important for maintaining a healthy work-life balance, as excessive overtime can lead to burnout and decreased productivity. Understanding overtime helps both employees and employers manage their time and resources effectively.