Managing Meal Breaks in Quick-Service Restaurants: Legal Requirements and Best Practices

Understand the legal requirements and best practices for managing meal breaks in quick-service restaurants. Learn how to implement automated deductions effectively while mitigating risks.

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Photo by Quino Al on Unsplash

In the fast-paced world of quick-service restaurants (QSRs), managing meal breaks for employees is crucial but challenging. Implementing automated deductions might seem like a convenient solution, but it comes with legal implications. Federal law stipulates that meal breaks must typically last at least 30 minutes and be uninterrupted to qualify as unpaid breaks. Any interruptions or work during this time could render the break compensable, leading to wage law violations.

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