Work breaks are an essential aspect of the workday that ensure employee well-being and productivity. Both federal and state laws govern work breaks to protect the rights of employees and maintain workplace harmony.
Work break laws are addressed under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Utah state law and have impact on employers and employees under federal and Utah state law. If you need guidance on work breaks or other labor-related issues, consult with our labor attorney and employment lawyer.
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for rest and meal breaks
The FLSA is a cornerstone of federal labor laws in the United States. It sets the standards for minimum wage, overtime pay, child labor, and, importantly for our discussion, breaks during the workday. The FLSA does not explicitly require employers to provide rest or meal breaks, but it does lay out regulations for when such breaks are offered and whether they should be compensated.
Rest Breaks: Under the FLSA, short breaks lasting up to 20 minutes are typically considered compensable work time. Employers are obligated to pay employees for these short rest breaks because they are considered part of the workday.
Meal Breaks: Meal breaks, often referred to as lunch breaks, are usually unpaid under the FLSA if they last at least 30 minutes and the employee is completely relieved of their work duties during this time. However, if an employee’s meal break is interrupted by work-related tasks, it may be considered compensable work time.
Utah State Law on Work Breaks
In addition to federal regulations, Utah has its own labor laws that govern work breaks. Employers in Utah must adhere to these state-specific laws in addition to FLSA requirements.
Meal Breaks: Utah law requires employers to provide a meal break to employees working at least five hours per day. This break must be at least 30 minutes long and provided no later than the end of the employee’s fifth hour of work. During this meal break, employees must be completely relieved of their work duties. If an employee’s shift is shorter than five hours, a meal break is not required. For minors, a 30 minute lunch break must be provided within the first five hours worked.
Rest Breaks: Utah law does not mandate rest breaks for adult employees. However, many employers choose to provide short rest breaks of around 10 minutes for every four hours worked as a common practice to improve employee productivity and well-being. For minors, a 10 minute break is required for every four hours worked and a minor cannot work more than three consecutive hours without a 10 minute break.
Understanding the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)
While not directly related to work breaks, it’s important to mention that the NLRA can also impact workplace practices. The NLRA grants employees the right to engage in concerted activities for their mutual aid or protection, which can include discussions about work breaks and other employment conditions. Employers should be aware of NLRA protections and consult with an employment attorney if they have concerns about employee actions.
Navigating work breaks under the FLSA and Utah law can be complex, and it’s crucial for employers to comply with both federal and state regulations to avoid potential legal issues.
If you have questions or concerns about work breaks, wage and hour laws, or any other employment-related matters, reach out to our Utah labor attorney and employment lawyer as it relates to your specific needs. We can provide valuable insights and help ensure that your workplace practices align with the fair labor standards set forth by federal and state laws.
Brian K. Jackson, LLC 