['Wage and Hour']
RegSense
Wage and Hour
Breaks and Meal Periods
Associate Benefits & Compensation
Best Results
USA
Topic Introduction
English
Focus Area
Human Resources
['Breaks and Meal Periods']
Breaks and meal periods are portions of a worker’s shift in which they are permitted or required to cease work. Federal and state laws dictate the correct practices for breaks ranging from shorter “coffee breaks” to 30 minute meal periods to breaks for lactating mothers. Employers must abide by applicable regulations and ensure that their employees are fully aware of all expectations regarding breaks and meal periods to protect against potential litigation.