What are the differences between compensatory time and paid time off?

Compensatory time and paid time off are both forms of time off for employees. The main difference between the two is how they are paid. Compensatory time, or comp time, is time off given to an employee in exchange for working overtime or working on a holiday. It is not paid for with money, but with time off. For example, if an employee works an extra hour on a certain day, they may be given a comp time hour to use for their next day off. Comp time hours can also be saved up and used for future days off. Paid time off, also known as PTO, is paid for with money. It is time off that an employee can use for vacation time, or to take off for an illness or emergency. With PTO, the employee is not obligated to work extra hours in order to earn it, it is given to them as part of their total compensation package. PTO can be used all at once for a longer vacation, or can be used for smaller days off throughout the year. While both types of time off are valuable to employees, the main difference between the two is the method of payment. Comp time is paid in time off, whereas PTO is paid with money. In West Virginia, however, employers are not required to provide either type of time off, although it is usually beneficial to do so. Employees should check with their employer to find out what type of time off is available to them.

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What are the differences between compensatory time and paid time off?

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