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Rest Period

Rest period

5-6 minute

What is a rest period at work?

A rest  period at work  is a short break given to employees during their work schedule. Employees may use this time to rest, use the restroom, and/or have a snack without performing any work responsibilities.

How long is a standard rest break?

Typically, a rest break  is 5 to 20 minutes long  . Breaks of 30 minutes or more are typically classified as meal periods, during which hourly employees are expected to stop working.

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Is rest period paid or not?

The Department of Labor  (  DOL) does not require employers to provide rest periods to their employees. However, if they do provide rest periods, it is considered paid time and must be compensated. These breaks   count toward total hours worked and overtime .

Meal Break vs. Rest Break: What's the Difference?

Lunch break

  • Not required by the DOL
  • usually lasts at least 30 minutes
  • to give employees time to eat
  • Unpaid and not counted as working time (if the employee is completely free from work responsibilities)

rest leave

  • Not mandated by federal law, but  if  provided,  compensation must be paid
  • usually lasts 5 to 20 minutes
  • Paid and counted as working time
  • Contribute to total working hours and overtime

State-wise Sabbatical Leave Laws

The Department of Labor does not have standard minimum rest period requirements for all states. However, some states have imposed specific requirements.

Here  are the detailed requirements for each state  :

State Rest Period Guidelines
California
  • Employees receive one paid rest period of 10 minutes for every four hours worked.
  • If possible, rest periods should be in between each work period.
  • Employers are not required to provide rest breaks for employees who work less than 3.5 hours per day.
Colorado
  • Workers receive a 10-minute break once for every four hours or approximately the same length of work.
  • If possible, the rest period should be in the middle of the work period.
Illinois
  • Only hotel employers are required to provide paid rest periods to employees.
  • Employees working in hotel rooms receive a 15-minute paid rest break twice per workday when they work at least seven hours.
  • This regulation only applies to counties with more than three million residents.
  • Employees cannot be expected to work during holidays.
  • The rest area should have adequate seating and tables in a clean, comfortable environment.
  • Employers must provide clean drinking water free of cost.
  • Employers should keep accurate records of break periods.
Kentucky
  • Employees receive one paid rest period of 10 minutes for every four hours worked.
  • Rest time should be provided separate from the scheduled meal break.
Minnesota
  • Employees are afforded an adequate paid rest period, once every four hours worked, to use the toilet.
  • Rest periods of less than 20 minutes cannot be deducted from the total working hours.
Nevada
  • Workers get a rest period of 10 minutes for every four hours worked.
  • Rest periods are not required for employees who work less than 3.5 hours per day.
  • These laws apply to employers who have two or more employees working at the same location.
Oregon
  • Employees receive one paid rest period of 10 minutes for every four hours worked.
  • Rest time should be provided separate from the scheduled meal break.
  • Retail or service sector employees who are 18 or older and work alone for fewer than five hours do not receive rest breaks.
Vermont
  • Employees must have reasonable opportunities to eat and use toilet facilities while at work to stay healthy and hygienic.
  • It applies to all employers with one or more employees in the state.
Washington
  • Employees receive one paid rest period of 10 minutes for every four hours worked.
  • Rest periods should be in between each work period.
  • Employees shall not be required to work more than three hours without a rest period.

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