Break Rules
Configure meal breaks and rest breaks for compliance and scheduling.
Types of Breaks
Meal Breaks
Longer breaks (typically 30-60 minutes) for meals. Usually unpaid and required after a certain number of hours worked.
Rest Breaks
Shorter paid breaks (typically 10-15 minutes) given periodically throughout a shift.
Setting Up Break Rules
Go to Break Settings
Navigate to Settings → Rules → Breaks.
Add a Break Rule
Click "Add Break Rule" and configure:
- • Break type (meal or rest)
- • Duration (e.g., 30 minutes)
- • When required (e.g., after 5 hours worked)
- • Paid or unpaid
Set Enforcement
Choose whether to show warnings or block schedules that don't allow for required breaks.
Apply to Employees
Rules can apply to all employees or specific positions/departments.
Common Break Requirements
| Location | Meal Break | Rest Break |
|---|---|---|
| California | 30 min after 5 hours | 10 min per 4 hours |
| New York | 30 min after 6 hours | Varies by industry |
| Washington | 30 min after 5 hours | 10 min per 4 hours |
| Ontario | 30 min after 5 hours | No requirement |
| UK | 20 min after 6 hours | Included in meal break |
Always verify requirements with your local labor authority.
How Breaks Appear in Schedules
Automatic Break Scheduling
When enabled, SimpleStaff automatically adds break times to shifts based on your rules.
Manual Break Scheduling
Add breaks manually by clicking on a shift and selecting "Add Break".
Break Time Display
Breaks show as a different color segment within the shift block.
Break Waivers
Some jurisdictions allow employees to waive certain breaks under specific conditions:
Short shift waiver: Employees working 6 hours or less may waive meal break
On-duty meal period: Required to remain on premises but compensated
Important: Break waivers must be documented. SimpleStaff can collect electronic signatures for waiver forms.
Hours Calculation
SimpleStaff automatically calculates hours worked accounting for breaks:
Example:
- • Shift: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (8 hours)
- • Unpaid meal break: 30 minutes
- • Paid rest breaks: 2 × 10 minutes
- • Paid hours: 7 hours 30 minutes
- • Hours on site: 8 hours
Related Articles
Questions about break rules?
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