What Are the Legal Requirements for Workday Breaks in Michigan?

Ensuring that employees have adequate breaks during their workday is crucial for maintaining productivity and promoting workplace well-being. However, not all states require employers to give breaks.

In this article, we’ll cover what Michigan and federal labor laws do and don’t require of employers when it comes to workday breaks.

Does Michigan Law Require Meal and Rest Breaks for Adult Employees?

Michigan does not have a state law that mandates meal breaks for employees age 18 and older. This means that employers are not legally required to provide a meal break.

However, while Michigan law does not mandate breaks for adult employees, regular breaks are beneficial for both employees and employers. Breaks help reduce fatigue, increase productivity, and improve overall job satisfaction. Encouraging employees to take regular breaks can also contribute to a healthier workplace culture.

If a Michigan employer chooses to offer a meal break, it is important to follow best practices to avoid potential disputes or misunderstandings. Employers commonly provide unpaid meal breaks of at least 30 minutes. During this time, managers must ensure that employees are fully relieved of their duties to ensure the break qualifies as unpaid. If an employee is required to work or be on call during their meal break, it should be considered paid time.

Does Michigan Law Require Meal and Rest Breaks for Minor Employees?

Although Michigan law does not require meal breaks for adult employees, it does have specific break requirements for minor employees. The rules that apply to workers under 18 are stricter to ensure young workers’ health and safety.

Under Michigan law, minors working five or more continuous hours must be given a 30-minute uninterrupted meal break. While no specific Michigan law mandates rest breaks for minor employees, employers are encouraged to provide short rest breaks to promote well-being and productivity.

What Does Federal Labor Law Require When It Comes to Breaks?

In addition to state laws, Michigan employers must adhere to federal labor laws. Meals and breaks implicate the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which covers wage and hour issues for employees. The FLSA does not require employers to provide meal or rest breaks.

However, if an employer decides to offer breaks, certain rules apply:

• Meal periods (typically 30 minutes or more) are not required to be paid, provided the employee is completely relieved from duty.
• Short rest breaks, usually lasting about 5 to 20 minutes, are considered compensable work hours and must be paid.

How Should Michigan Employers Handle Breaks?

To ensure clarity and consistency and avoid legal issues, employers should consider creating a formal break policy. This policy should outline the duration and timing of meal and rest breaks, whether breaks are paid or unpaid, and procedures for scheduling and taking breaks.

Understanding the legal requirements for breaks and other wage and hour issues in Michigan is essential for maintaining compliance and fostering a positive work environment. Check out our Michigan Labor Law poster page to learn more about Michigan labor laws, including posting requirements.