Are employers required to provide employees with work breaks?

Yes, employers in New Hampshire are required to provide employees with work breaks. According to the New Hampshire Department of Labor, “Employees in New Hampshire are entitled to meal and rest periods that are reasonable in duration.” This means that employers must provide employees with breaks that are reasonably long enough to provide workers with time to rest, eat, and handle personal matters. The law states that employers must provide a minimum of 30 minutes for lunch, as well as breaks throughout the day that are at least 10 minutes long. For employees who work more than five consecutive hours, they are entitled to one 30-minute break. Breaks must also be paid, so employees should not be required to work through their breaks if they have not been compensated for the time. Employers are not required to provide a break for every hour worked, however. For example, employers may give two 15-minute breaks instead of one 30-minute break, or they may give two 10-minute breaks instead of one 20-minute break. Ultimately, employers must provide breaks that are reasonably long enough to give employees time to rest and take care of personal matters.

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Are employers required to provide employees with work breaks?

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