Minnesota has multiple new or updated employment laws going into effect on January 1, 2026. As the new year approaches, Minnesota employers should consider incorporating some new practices or processes to ensure compliance with the state’s updated requirements.

Meal and Rest Breaks

As of January 1, 2026, Minnesota employers will be required to provide:

• One rest break during every four-hour shift of at least 15 minutes or adequate time to use the nearest restroom, whichever is longer; and
• One meal break during every six-hour shift of at least 30 minutes (which may be unpaid). Employees who do not receive the required breaks will be eligible to receive damages equal to two times the amount earned during the missed break at the employee’s regular rate of pay.

Recommended next steps for employers include:

• Updating written break policies.
• Educating employees and managers about the new rules.

Other actions to consider include:

• Adding attestations regarding breaks to the employee timekeeping process.
• Establishing a process to report missed or inadequate breaks.

Earned Sick and Safe Time

As of January 1, 2026, employers in Minnesota are permitted to require documentation from employees to support the use of Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) for a period of two or more consecutive days. Employers are also permitted to advance ESST to an employee before it is accrued based on the number of hours the employee is anticipated to work for the remaining portion of the accrual year....

Read Full Story: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMijwFBVV95cUxNZVZUNXR6aXVhdGhzQVZ1d21I...