do I have to use PTO hours if I was gone two days even if that will exceeded my 40 hour requirement for salary

Question

I took off Monday and Tuesday, which accounts for 16 hours of PTO that I have to use. However, I worked 11.5 hours on Wednesday. Then, I worked 12 hours on Thursday and 8 hours on Friday that will put me at 47.5 hours in one week, while my contract specifies that I only have to work 40 hours in one week. So, why do I have to use my full 16 hours of PTO? If you add the hours that I worked - 11.5 hours on Wednesday, 12 hours Thursday, and 8 hours Friday- it totals to 31.5 hours. Why can't I just take 8.5 hours of PTO to reach my 40 required hours? Why do I have to take PTO that exceeds my 40-hour requirement? I understand that I receive a salary and work over 40 hours frequently, but it's not a requirement of my salary, so why would I take PTO that exceeds my requirement?

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

It sounds like you're dealing with a frustrating situation. Since you're salaried, your company might still require you to use PTO for any full days you missed, regardless of how many hours you worked later in the week. Many companies operate this way to track absences, even if you worked extra hours to make up for the time. 
 
However, it's understandable that you question why you can't use fewer PTO hours if you're exceeding your 40-hour requirement. Unfortunately, many businesses have policies that don't account for the total weekly hours when determining PTO usage. They may require PTO for any missed days during your regular schedule, even if you’re compensating with additional hours. 
 
It could be helpful to ask HR or your manager for clarification on your company's specific PTO policy. Some organizations are flexible, but others follow strict rules. Clarifying this might help avoid confusion in the future.

Q: do I have to use PTO hours if I was gone two days even if that will exceeded my 40 hour requirement for salary