Are employers required to provide employees with work breaks?
Yes, employers in Washington are required to provide employees with work breaks. According to the state’s wage and hour law, employers must give employees breaks of at least 10 minutes for every 4 hours of work. In addition, employers must provide meal breaks of at least 30 minutes after 5 hours of work. During the break, employees must be allowed to leave the worksite and are not required to perform any work duties. Employers may require employees to remain on the premises during their breaks, but must pay them for their time. These breaks are meant to provide employees with an opportunity to rest and prevent them from becoming overworked or fatigued. The wage and hour law also applies to minors and any employees who are under the age of 18 are entitled to one additional 10-minute break for every 4 hours of work. For minors, the break must be given just before or after the 4-hour mark and paid for by the employer. Furthermore, employers must keep accurate records to show they are providing their employees with the necessary breaks in accordance with the law.
Related FAQs
Are employers allowed to pay different wages for the same job?What is the difference between a minimum wage law and a living wage law?
What are the rules for paying overtime for salaried employees?
What are the restrictions on working hours for minors?
Are employers allowed to reduce an employee’s wages while they are on vacation?
What is the difference between an employee handbook and an employment contract?
What are the consequences of not paying employees the minimum wage?
Are public employers subject to the same wage and hour laws as private employers?
What must an employer do in order to comply with wage and hour law?
What are the rules for paying commissions to employees?
Related Blog Posts
What is Wage and Hour Law and How Does it Affect Your Business? - July 31, 2023What Employers Need to Know About Wage and Hour Law - August 7, 2023
The Basics of Payroll Law and Compliance - August 14, 2023
Compensating Your Employees - Tips for Wage and Hour Law Compliance - August 21, 2023
Understanding Overtime Rules Under Wage and Hour Law - August 28, 2023