Breaks lasting from five to 20 minutes are considered part of the workday, for which employees must be paid.Įmployers do not have to pay for bona fide meal breaks, during which the employee is relieved of all duties for the purpose of eating a meal. Even if an employer refers to this time as a lunch break, the employee is still working and entitled to be paid.įederal law also requires employers to pay for short breaks an employee is allowed to take during the day. A receptionist who must cover the phones or wait for deliveries during lunch must be paid for that time, as must a paralegal who eats lunch at her desk while working or a repair person who grabs a quick bite while driving from one job to the next. Under federal law, employers must pay for hours worked, including certain time that an employer may designate as 'breaks.' For example, if an employee has to work through a meal, that time must be paid.

Employers in Georgia don't have to provide either rest or meal breaks. However, Georgia doesn't follow this trend. A number of states require employers to provide meal breaks, rest breaks or both. In some states, workers have more protections. Sensible as this seems, employers are not legally required to allow breaks, at least by federal law. Of course, many employers provide these breaks as a matter of custom and policy, recognizing that an employee who is hungry and tired is neither productive nor pleasant to customers and coworkers. Employees must be paid for shorter breaks they are allowed to take during the day, but employers are not required to provide these breaks in the first place. The Internet is not necessarily secure and emails sent through this site could be intercepted or read by third parties.Īlthough some Georgia employers provide meal or rest breaks, you might be surprised to learn that federal law doesn't give employees the right to time off to eat lunch (or another meal) or the right to take short breaks during the work day. The lawyer or law firm you are contacting is not required to, and may choose not to, accept you as a client. Any information sent through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship and may not be treated as privileged or confidential. You should not send any sensitive or confidential information through this site. Your number will be held in accordance with our Privacy Policy. You will receive up to 2 messages per week from Martindale-Nolo. Attorneys have the option, but are not required, to send text messages to you. You are not required to provide consent as a condition of service. Messages may be sent using pre-recorded messages, auto-dialer or other automated technology. Martindale-Nolo and up to 5 participating attorneys may contact you on the number you provided for marketing purposes, discuss available services, etc. By clicking 'Find a Lawyer', you agree to the Martindale-Nolo Texting Terms.

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