5 Facts You Should Know About Employee Breaks

In August 31, 2017

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Are you taking employee breaks seriously? Take a quick look at the following facts that every employer should know about employee break time to find out!

• Employee break time laws vary greatly from state-to-state. Federal break laws stipulated by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) are surprisingly non-comprehensive. Though they do require that some breaks be given, and play a role in determining which breaks must be paid, they leave out many details. For example, they do not require meal breaks. State laws, on the other hand, are usually much more detailed. This is why a working knowledge of state break laws is important for employers.
• Break time can actually improve productivity. If break time is beginning to sound like a hassle, there is no need to worry. Studies have shown that employees who take regular breaks actually tend to be more productive — so the effort that you put into complying with break regulations is not in vain!
• Failure to comply with break regulations can result in legal fines or even lawsuits. If increased productivity isn’t enough to motivate you, then perhaps the possibility of hefty fines is. In some cases, the fee for failure to comply can be upwards of 1,000 dollars per violation!
• Breaks reduce the risk of accidents. No one works well when they are tired — and this is why breaks are particularly important for workers in industries where workplace accidents are more frequent. A single moment of distraction can have a tremendously negative impact on your worker, your workplace, and your entire business, so don’t risk it!
• Breaks are an important part of good employer-employee relations. If you want your company to be viewed as a good place to work, then it is imperative that you comply with break time regulations. Employee complaints have a way of spreading like wildfire — and if you want the option to choose from the best and the brightest, then maintaining a clean company image is a must.

Precise Payroll can help you get the details right when it comes to managing your responsibilities as an employer. Visit us online today to find out how.