What is OT Allowance?

First, let's demystify "OT allowance"—a term that sounds like a sports drink but is actually a lifeline for hardworking employees!

You're not working overtime because you're passionately devoted to your job, but because you're striving to make ends meet. This is where OT allowance comes in—a legal perk that serves as a small but meaningful reward. Simply put, OT stands for Over Time, meaning any work hours beyond your regular schedule. And "allowance" here doesn’t quench your thirst—it refers to the legally mandated overtime pay, like a power-up that recharges your soul!

According to Article 24 of the Labor Standards Act, on regular workdays, the first two overtime hours must be paid at a minimum of 1.33 times your hourly rate, increasing to 1.67 times thereafter. On rest days, the rate starts at double and can go up to triple your normal pay! This isn't charity—it's rightful compensation earned through your hard work.

Don’t underestimate this income—it could end up exceeding your year-end bonus over time. More importantly, understanding how OT allowance is calculated helps you avoid the trap of being asked to “contribute with love.” Your boss may say, “Let’s work hard together,” but real effort deserves real money in your pocket.

So stop silently burning the midnight oil. Understanding OT allowance is the first step toward standing up for your rights. Next, let’s see how DingTalk transforms into your personal guardian of overtime pay, accurately calculating every penny of your "allowance" so your sweat never goes to waste!

Introduction to DingTalk's OT Allowance Feature

Now, let’s explore how DingTalk helps calculate your OT allowance. Say goodbye to manually crunching numbers in Excel until you’re dizzy—DingTalk’s OT allowance feature is a true lifesaver for employees!

Function Overview: DingTalk’s OT allowance feature goes far beyond simple addition and subtraction. It automatically calculates each employee’s overtime hours and corresponding payment based on clock-in times, shift schedules, and preset overtime rules. The system also supports differentiated calculations for various periods—such as extended weekday hours, rest days, and public holidays—making allowance calculations clear and precise instead of confusing.

Key Features: The most impressive part is its “smart recognition”—automatically identifying valid overtime, checking whether supervisor approval is required, and even filtering out erroneous clock-in data. Integrated seamlessly with the payroll module, it allows one-click export at month-end, making your accountant so grateful they might treat you to milk tea!

How to Use: Go to “Attendance” > “Overtime Rules” > “OT Allowance Settings”—just three steps and you’re done! You can customize calculation bases (hourly or converted from monthly salary), set allowance multipliers, and define limits to prevent excessive overtime. Even better, employees can instantly view their overtime records and estimated allowance on their phones—transparent and reassuring. No more month-end surprises like “How many hours did I even work?” With DingTalk, you can literally watch your earnings grow as you work—maximum satisfaction!

How to Set Up Overtime Rules in DingTalk

To accurately calculate OT allowance in DingTalk, the first step isn’t opening a calculator—it’s setting clear rules! Without well-defined overtime policies, even the most advanced system will struggle. Don’t worry—DingTalk has you covered. By setting up proper rules step by step, the system will automatically track every minute of overtime, and the allowance amount will be calculated effortlessly. Start by accessing the DingTalk admin console, then go to “Attendance Rules” > “Overtime Settings.” You can customize what counts as overtime—Is it after 6:30 PM on weekdays? Or starting at 9:00 AM on weekends? All configurable! You can even differentiate between workdays, rest days, and public holidays for more accurate calculations. Next, set up the overtime application process: employees submit requests, select the type and duration of overtime, and the system automatically links it to clock-in records, preventing false entries like “I didn’t work overtime but got charged for it.” The best part? The approval workflow—supervisors receive push notifications and can approve or reject requests with one tap, ensuring full transparency and efficiency. If someone forgets to apply? The system can automatically prompt them to file a retroactive request based on clock-in data, reducing missed claims. Once these rules are in place, it’s like installing autopilot—no more manual tracking or time reconciliation. OT allowance shifts from “management by people” to “management by rules,” making everything easier and more reliable.

Real-Life Example: How OT Allowance is Calculated

Real-Life Example: How OT Allowance is Calculated

All the theory in the world can’t beat a real-life scenario! Let’s follow Xiao Ming, a marketing specialist who battles PowerPoint daily, and see how he calculates his weekly OT allowance using DingTalk. This week, due to a tight project deadline, Xiao Ming worked 2.5 hours overtime on Wednesday and 3 hours on Friday. He simply clocked in and out using DingTalk’s “Attendance” feature. The system automatically synced the data to his “Overtime Request,” and his supervisor approved it with a single tap on their phone—faster than ordering takeout!

Now for the main event: allowance calculation. According to company policy, the first two overtime hours on weekdays are paid at 1.5 times the hourly rate, and any additional time at double. Assuming Xiao Ming earns $100 per hour, his Wednesday overtime includes $300 for the first 2 hours (2 × 100 × 1.5) and $100 for the extra 0.5 hour (0.5 × 100 × 2), totaling $400. On Friday, the calculation yields $450. Combined, that’s $850. This amount is automatically generated in DingTalk’s payroll module—clear and visible to finance—and is directly deposited at month-end. Xiao Ming smiles and says, “This isn’t just an allowance—it’s a mental spa!”

The final report can be exported as a PDF, including overtime periods, durations, and calculation formulas—professional and transparent. Even the accounting staff praises it: “Calculating overtime used to give me a headache. Now with DingTalk’s reports, even the decimals are perfectly calculated—it’s nothing short of a blessing!”

Common Issues and Solutions

  • Issue One: What if I fail to clock in for overtime? Sometimes you might forget due to being focused, a network glitch, or a simple oversight, and the system doesn’t record your OT time. Don’t panic—first check if you’ve submitted an overtime request and confirm its approval status. If approved but the clock-in is missing, use the “Abnormal Clock-in Correction” feature to upload proof like a work screenshot or email. Once approved by your supervisor, the issue is easily resolved!
  • Issue Two: The allowance amount is incorrect? Before doubting your sanity, check whether your overtime period crosses midnight or includes meal breaks. DingTalk automatically excludes designated rest periods, but if you manually enter incorrect data, the system will still process it faithfully. We recommend setting up “Overtime Reminders” to avoid missed clock-ins or input errors.
  • Pro Tip, Big Impact: Use the “Template Save” feature—apply saved templates for recurring overtime to save time and reduce errors. Also, review your “Attendance Report” at a fixed time each week—like a regular health check—to catch and fix issues early, avoiding month-end chaos!
  • Remember, DingTalk isn’t here to make your life harder—it’s here to help you claim what you’re entitled to! Don’t suffer in silence when problems arise. Make full use of built-in appeal and customer support features so technology truly works for you. Overtime allowance should never feel like a tug-of-war with the system.


  • DomTech is DingTalk’s official designated service provider in Hong Kong, dedicated to delivering DingTalk services to clients across the region. If you’d like to learn more about DingTalk platform applications, feel free to contact our online customer service, call us at (852)4443-3144, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. With our skilled development and operations team and extensive market experience, we offer professional DingTalk solutions and services tailored to your needs!