Rest Break Policy

Author: Christine P. Corrigan, CPC Writing Services

When to Use

Although the federal Fair Labor Standards Act does not mandate that employers provide rest periods, if an employer chooses to offer them, the FLSA outlines requirements regarding compensability of such time. In addition, several states require employers to provide rest periods. The state laws often cover all employees and do not distinguish between exempt and nonexempt workers.

Even in the absence of a specific state requirement, most employers provide rest periods to employees and therefore should have a policy addressing them. Employers in states with specific requirements should incorporate those requirements into their policies.

Customizable Policy