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The Global Insight

Does 8 hours of work include breaks?

Author

Christopher Davis

Updated on April 04, 2026

Under California law, non-exempt employees are entitled to one unpaid 30-minute meal break, and two paid 10-minute rest breaks, during a typical 8-hour shift. Employees must receive their off-duty meal breaks before the end of the fifth hour of work.

How long should a break be in an 8-hour shift?

20 minutes
The legal break times for an 8-hour shift is a minimum of 20 minutes.

How many hours should there be between breaks at work?

You’re usually entitled to: a 30 minute rest break if you work for more than 4 hours and 30 minutes in a day. 12 hours rest between each working day. 2 rest days per week.

Do I get a break if I work exactly 6 hours?

Unless your employer has agreed that you should have a longer break, you are entitled to a 20-minute unpaid break if you work for over 6 hours.

What is an 8 hour work day with lunch?

Lunchtime is unpaid time. In the US, if you are being paid by the hour and your shift is 8 hours of work, then you are required to take a lunch break, like it or not. Your employer is not required to pay you for that time.

How long is a 8 hour work day?

Over the course of an eight-hour workday, the average employee works for about three hours — two hours and 53 minutes, to be more precise.

What are the breaks under the working time?

A worker is entitled to an uninterrupted break of 20 minutes when daily working time is more than six hours.

When do you get a 20 minute rest break at work?

Workers over 18 are usually entitled to 3 types of break – rest breaks at work, daily rest and weekly rest. Workers have the right to one uninterrupted 20 minute rest break during their working day, if they work more than 6 hours a day.

How long does an employer have to give an employee a break?

If an employee works 8 or more consecutive hours, the employer must provide a 30-minute break and an additional 15 minute break for every additional 4 consecutive hours worked. Applies to retail establishments.

What should I do during my break at work?

Breaks and Lunch Requirements. Breaks and lunch periods are times, specified by the employer, during which employees are not actively working on the job. Employees use break time, which generally lasts from five to 20 minutes per four hours worked, to eat, visit the restroom, read, talk with friends, smoke, and handle personal business.