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Meal Periods
When staff performing non-exempt work are scheduled for a full day of service, an unpaid meal period of at least 30 minutes should be scheduled. During this time the staff member cannot be required to continue to perform job duties unless he or she is to be paid for the work time. Because of overtime guidelines, staff need permission from their supervisor to continue to work during the meal period.
Breaks
Break periods are not required by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). However, as operational requirements permit and working conditions warrant, a 15-minute paid break is encouraged during any work period of four consecutive hours. Break periods enhance productivity by providing an opportunity for staff to refresh and refocus. Break periods are counted as work time. In some departments these breaks are scheduled by the supervisor while in other areas they may be taken at the staff member’s discretion. Break periods may not be combined with the meal period or with another break period nor may they be used in order to report to work late or leave early. Breaks can also not be used in conjunction with any type of leave. Break periods may not be accrued. If breaks are not taken during specified time frames, they are lost.