Break during work: laws and rules

Working is important, but taking a break is just as essential. Without a good break, you won't get through the day. But what are the rules for taking a break at work? In this blog, we dive into the laws and regulations and provide practical tips.

The importance of breaks during work

Breaks at work are not just a time to catch your breath, but essential for your health and productivity. Multiple studies show that taking regular breaks:
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• Your concentration and focus improves.
• Stimulates your creativity.
• Make you work more efficiently.

The law about breaks during work

The Working Time Act has set rules for the right to take a break. Here are the key points:
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• Do you work more than 5.5 hours? Then you are entitled to a break of at least 30 minutes.
• This break may be split into two times 15 minutes.
• Do you work more than 10 hours? Then you can count on a break of at least 45 minutes.
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These are minimum legal rules that employers must comply with. Many employers adhere to these rules, but it is important to know your own rights. This way, you'll be stronger if you notice that you're not getting enough break.
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On the website of National government there is a detailed explanation of the legislation regarding breaks.

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📚 Read here more about the Working Time Act.

Continued payment during breaks

The Working Time Act does not say anything about continued payment during breaks. You do not work during breaks and you are therefore not entitled to a salary. The employment contract or collective labor agreement may contain agreements about continued payment of wages during the break. It is therefore wise to review these documents carefully and discuss any questions with your employer.

Working without a break during work

In exceptional cases, you may work without taking a break. This is only allowed in the following situations:
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• You work alone: If you don't have direct contact with a colleague who does similar work, a break can be skipped.
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• The nature of the work makes it impossible to take a break: In some occupations, it is simply not possible to take a break. For example, functions that require continuous presence, such as certain security functions.
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By the way, this must be arranged in writing. Agreements must be made about this in the collective labor agreement or business arrangement. In addition, your employer can also make agreements about this with the works council or staff representation.

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Break during work: the possibilities

With the rise of flexible working hours, you are getting more and more space to tailor breaks to your needs. This offers many advantages, especially if you want to distribute your energy better throughout the day, but how does this work in practice?
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Practical tips for flexible breaks:
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• Plan your break when your energy is at its lowest.
• Use apps or timers to avoid skipping breaks.
• Coordinate break times with colleagues when working as a team.
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With flexible working hours, you can plan your own breaks, for example a longer break in the morning and continuing to work in the afternoon. This requires discipline not to skip breaks, but the most important thing is to plan breaks at times that work for you.

5 tips for taking an effective break

Taking a break from work doesn't have to be boring. Here are a few ways to take optimal breaks:
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• Go outside: Fresh air and a short walk work wonders.
• Do a short workout: Movement, no matter how short, gives you new energy.
• Read or meditate: Clear your head by doing something relaxing.
• Listen to music or a podcast: Choose something that inspires or relaxes you.
• Make something creative: Drawing or writing can change your mind.
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A real break means breaking free from work, and scrolling on social media doesn't usually help with that. Try different activities to find what works best for you. This way, you can make optimal use of your breaks.

What if you don't get a break during work?

Unfortunately, it happens that employees do not get a break. This is not only annoying, but also against the law. What steps can you take if this happens to you?
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• Talk to your employer: Often, the problem is unconscious. Take the initiative to address the problem in a constructive way. Propose concrete solutions, such as a clear break schedule or better communication within the team.
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• Check your collective agreement: This often includes additional agreements about breaks, such as how often and how long your breaks can be. This gives you a better idea of what to expect and what you're entitled to. If your collective agreement is unclear, you can ask for help from an HR employee or a trade union.
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• Get external help: Contact a trade union or the labour inspectorate if these discussions fail.

How do you make the most of your break?

A break during work doesn't have to be passive. By consciously organizing your break, you can recharge both physically and mentally and get on with your working day with new energy.
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Tips for taking a break that promotes work-life balance:
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• Plan activities that relax you: A short breathing exercise, a walk in nature helps to disconnect from work.
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• Use your break to connect: Call a friend or family member, or have lunch with a colleague. This helps you recharge social energy.
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• Create a clear separation: Avoid work-related tasks or emails during your break. Use the time to really “disconnect”.
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A fixed break schedule can help enormously with this. It not only gives structure to your working day, but also ensures that you consciously free up time for your well-being. Do you want more tips to better balance work and private life?

📚 Do you want improve your work and private balance? Learn how here.

Obligation for employers

In addition to taking a break, it is important to keep a good time record. This is not only useful for yourself, but often also mandatory. Employers are required by law to keep an overview of their employees' hours worked and rest periods. It may be important for tax returns, control by the Tax authorities or complying with the Working Time Act.

Conclusion

Breaks are not only a legal right, but are an essential part of a healthy and productive working day. For both employers and employees, it is important not only to comply with the legal break rules, but also to ensure a work culture that encourages taking breaks.

A tool like TimeChimp contributes to this by providing insight into:
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• Hours worked — Provide an overview of your working day.
• Break times — Make sure you're getting enough rest.
• Planning options — Avoid skipping breaks with a better time schedule.
• Work-life balance — Identify structurally too little rest and adjust your schedule.

By keeping track of your time sheets, you can not only comply with legislation, but also create a healthier and more productive working day.

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A clear and accurate time registration can significantly improve your working day. Want to discover an efficient way to keep track of your hours?

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