Are employers required to provide employees with work breaks?

In Massachusetts, employers are required to provide employees with work breaks, in accordance with the state’s Wage and Hour Law. Generally, employers must provide hourly employees with a paid break time of 30 minutes or more for every six hours of continuous work. If the break period is shorter than 30 minutes, the employer must compensate the employee for the break period. Additionally, employers are required to grant employees one unpaid meal break of at least 30 minutes for every six hours of continuous work. During this meal period, employers are not required to pay their employees. However, employees must be relieved of all duties and be able to leave the work premises if they choose. It is important to note that minors under the age of 18 must be provided with additional breaks and meal periods. Employers must give employees under 18 one paid rest break of at least 10 minutes for every 4 hours of continuous work and an unpaid meal break of at least 30 minutes for every 5 hours of continuous work. By adhering to Massachusetts’ Wage and Hour Law, employers ensure that they are providing employees with legally mandated work breaks and meal periods. This allows employees to stay productive throughout the workday and maintain the health and wellbeing necessary to perform optimally.

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Are employers required to provide employees with work breaks?

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