Your employees work hard, and they deserve a break. But what exactly are your legal responsibilities surrounding rest breaks and meal periods? The answer can vary quite widely based on where your business is located.
Most people assume that there are cut-and-dry federal laws regarding break times and lunch hours. After all, the FLSA is usually quite specific in its requirements regarding issues such as employee classifications, minimum wage, and overtime pay. However, the guidelines around breaks can be quite vague, leaving a lot of room for flexibility as well as confusion for employers.
If you’re unsure of how to find out what your obligations are, or how to craft your own work break policy, we’ve compiled the key information. We’ve also added some helpful tips for employers to consider when deciding whether to offer more than the minimum required breaks.
Federal law actually does not require rest or meal breaks for adult employees. However, many states have their own work break laws. Nearly half of all states mandate that you must provide some form of rest or meal breaks to employees. Be sure to check all local and state laws when crafting your break policy.
It’s also helpful to remember that even if breaks aren’t legally required, it’s probably a good idea to offer them anyway to keep your employees happy. This is especially relevant for employees on their feet frequently, and those working outside in extreme weather who may need...
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