Work breaks, rest periods

Changes to the current law regarding employee breaks will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026. We encourage you to review the statutory updates and learn more about how these changes may impact you or your organization.

State law requires employers to provide employees with restroom time and sufficient time to eat a meal. If the break is less than 20 minutes in duration, it must be counted as hours worked.

Time to use the nearest restroom must be provided within each four consecutive hours of work. Meal time must be provided to employees who work eight or more consecutive hours. See Minnesota Statutes 177.253 and 177.254, and Minnesota Rules 5200.0120 for more information.

The employer can set the hours an employee works, including when a meal or rest break can be taken. For the time to be unpaid, the employee has to be completely relieved of duties for at least 20 minutes.