break room

Since the 2010s, many workplaces have sought to enhance their employee break rooms by installing micromarkets inside them. Micromarkets provide expanded food options compared to traditional vending machines.{{cite web|url=https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/business/2016/10/12/micromarkets-replace-break-room-vending-machines/91683096/ |title=Micromarkets replace break room vending machines |publisher=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel |accessdate=2024-07-14}} During the COVID-19 pandemic, some workplaces began to install self-service kiosks, touch-free coffee machines, and other forms of upgraded technology in their employee break rooms to reduce the transmission of COVID and other diseases.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/touchless-lattes-self-service-kiosks-office-break-rooms-go-virus-n1241334 |title=Touchless lattes and self-service kiosks: Office break rooms go virus-proof |date=29 September 2020 |publisher=NBC News |accessdate=2024-07-14}}

Many workplaces display employment-related posters and announcements in their break rooms.{{cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/how-to/human-resources/2015/08/employment-law-posters-in-breakrooms.html |title=What you need to know about the employment law posters in your breakroom |publisher=The Business Journals |accessdate=2024-07-14}}

The placement of surveillance cameras in workplace break rooms has been controversial. In 2017, a camera was removed from the employee break room of a town hall in Michigan following backlash from workers.{{cite web|url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/wayne/2017/02/16/spy-camera-break-room/97989772/ |title='Spy camera' banned from break room in Plymouth Township Hall |publisher=Detroit Free Press |accessdate=2024-07-14}} In 2001, custodians at a high school in Ohio sued after discovering that a hidden camera had been installed in the break room to monitor them. The workers in Brannen v. Board of Education claimed a violation of their Fourth Amendment rights, but the court ruled that the workers had no reasonable expectation of privacy given that a break room is a public space.{{cite web|url=https://www.fletc.gov/sites/default/files/imported_files/training/programs/legal-division/downloads-articles-and-faqs/downloads/other/workplacesearches.pdf |title=WARRANTLESS WORKPLACE SEARCHES OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES |publisher=Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers |accessdate=2024-07-14}}

Queensland's Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995 required that "A workplace must have a lunch room in or adjacent to the workplace." The law stated that the lunch room must be separate from areas where work is performed and must not be used for any purpose other than lunches and other breaks.{{cite web|url=https://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/qld/repealed_reg/whasr1995476.pdf |title=WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY (MISCELLANEOUS) REGULATION 1995 |publisher=Australian Legal Information Institute |accessdate=2024-08-11}}

Ontario law states that "Where fifteen or more persons congregate to eat, a lunchroom shall be provided." Lunch rooms must be equipped with suitable seating, heating, lighting, ventilation, facilities for warming food, hand washing and drying facilities, hot and cold water, trash disposal, and other features.{{cite web|url=https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/900854/v15 |title=R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854: MINES AND MINING PLANTS |publisher=Ontario.ca |accessdate=2025-04-20}}

Prince Edward Island's Occupational Safety and Health Act requires workplaces to have a "Lunch and rest room" that is separate from toilet areas and is equipped with suitable seating and tables.{{cite web|url=https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/sites/default/files/legislation/o1-01g-occupational_health_and_safety_act_general_regulations.pdf |title=OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT GENERAL REGULATIONS |publisher=Government of Prince Edward Island |accessdate=2024-07-17}}

Nova Scotia's Occupational Health and Safety Act requires workplaces to "provide an enclosed eating area separate from the work area" only when "the possibility of contamination of food from a hazardous substance exists in a work area".{{cite web|url=https://novascotia.ca/just/regulations/regs/ohsgensf.htm |title=Occupational Safety General Regulations |publisher=Government of Nova Scotia |accessdate=2024-07-23}}

In France, workplaces with fewer than 50 workers "must provide employees with a place where they can eat in good health and safety." Companies with more than 50 employees must provide workers with a catering room equipped with seating, a table, drinking water, refrigeration, and food heating appliances.{{cite web|url=https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F34555?lang=en |title=Employee lunch break: what are the rules? |publisher=Service-Public.fr |accessdate=2024-07-16}}

German law mandates that all workplaces with more than 10 employees must have a break room. Workplaces with fewer than 10 employees must also have break rooms if necessitated for safety or health reasons. The law stipulates that break rooms must have adequate tables and seating.{{cite web|url=https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/englisch_arbst_ttv/englisch_arbst_ttv.html |title=Ordinance on Workplaces |publisher=Federal Ministry of Justice |accessdate=2024-07-14}}{{cite web|url=https://aachen.fau.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Labour-Rights-in-Germany-EN.pdf |title=Labour Rights in Germany (for English Speakers) |publisher=Free Workers' Union |accessdate=2024-07-14}}

In the Netherlands, the Working Conditions Decree mandates that workplaces must have break rooms and, depending on the number of employees, that the break room must be spacious and have tables and chairs.{{cite web|url=https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0008498/2003-11-01 |title=Arbeidsomstandighedenbesluit |publisher=Government of the Netherlands |accessdate=2024-11-11}}

According to WorkSafe New Zealand, "Workers should have somewhere they can prepare and eat food during breaks", "This area should be kept clean", and "Workers should have a sheltered place to sit during break times." Temperature-controlled break rooms are also required when necessary.{{cite web|url=https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/road-and-roadside/keeping-healthy-safe-working-road-or-roadside/part-d/26-0-worker-facilities/ |title=26.0 Worker facilities |date=31 August 2022 |publisher=WorkSafe New Zealand |accessdate=2024-07-14}}

Norwegian law does not require workplaces to have break rooms, but if a workplace lacks a "satisfactory break room", the worker must be paid for their break.{{cite web|url=https://www.arbeidstilsynet.no/en/working-conditions/knowyourrights/ |title=Working in Norway: Your rights and obligations |publisher=Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority |accessdate=2024-07-16}}

As federal law does not require work breaks, there is no federal requirement for workplaces to have break rooms.{{cite web|url=https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/workhours/breaks |title=Breaks and Meal Periods |publisher=United States Department of Labor |accessdate=2024-07-14}}{{cite web|url=https://www.dvm360.com/view/break-room-standards |title=Break-room standards |date=April 2006 |publisher=DMV360 |accessdate=2024-07-18}} The United States Access Board requires workplaces that do have break rooms to make them accessible to people with disabilities.{{cite web|url=https://www.access-board.gov/ada/guides/chapter-2-new-construction/ |title=Guide to the ADA Accessibility Standards |publisher=United States Access Board |accessdate=2024-07-14}}

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) lists break rooms as an example of a "common area". Common areas are defined as "indoor or outdoor locations under the control of the employer that more than one person may use or where people congregate{{nbsp}}...".{{cite web|url=https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.502 |title=Occupational Safety and Health Standards |publisher=Occupational Safety and Health Administration |accessdate=2024-07-14}} OSHA does not require workplaces to have a break room.{{cite web|url=https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/1976-06-22 |title=Standard Interpretations Showers and lunch areas. |publisher=Occupational Safety and Health Administration |accessdate=2024-07-14}}

The majority of states do not require workplaces to have break rooms, including Alabama,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/alabama/alabama-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=Alabama Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} Alaska,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/alaska/alaska-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=Alaska Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} Arizona,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/arizona/arizona-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=Arizona Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} Arkansas,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/arkansas/arkansas-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=Arkansas Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} Colorado,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/colorado/colorado-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=Colorado Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} Connecticut,{{cite web|url=https://www.cbia.com/news/hr-safety/employee-break-room/ |title=HR Hotline: Are We Required to Provide a Break Room for Employees? |date=20 August 2018 |publisher=Connecticut Business & Industry Association |accessdate=2024-08-11}} Delaware,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/delaware/delaware-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=Delaware Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} Florida,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/florida/florida-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=Florida Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} Georgia,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/georgia/georgia-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=Georgia Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} Hawaii,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/hawaii/hawaii-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=Hawaii Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} Idaho,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/idaho/idaho-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=Idaho Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} Indiana,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/indiana/indiana-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=Indiana Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} Iowa,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/iowa/iowa-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=Iowa Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} Kansas,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/kansas/kansas-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=Kansas Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} Kentucky,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/kentucky/kentucky-meal-and-rest-break-laws-2/ |title=Kentucky Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} Louisiana,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/louisiana/louisiana-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=Louisiana Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} Maryland,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/maryland/maryland-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=Maryland Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-02-01}} Maine,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/maine/maine-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=Maine Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} Massachusetts,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/massachusetts/massachusetts-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=Massachusetts Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} Michigan,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/michigan/michigan-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=Michigan Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} Minnesota,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/minnesota/minnesota-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=Minnesota Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} Mississippi,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/mississippi/mississippi-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=Mississippi Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} Missouri,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/missouri/missouri-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=Missouri Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} Montana,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/montana/montana-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=Montana Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} Nebraska,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/nebraska/nebraska-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=Nebraska Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} Nevada,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/nevada/nevada-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=Nevada Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} New Hampshire,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/new-hampshire/new-hampshire-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=New Hampshire Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} New Jersey,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/new-jersey/new-jersey-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=New Jersey Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-02-01}} New Mexico,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/new-mexico/new-mexico-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=New Mexico Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} New York,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/new-york/new-york-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=New York Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} North Carolina,{{cite web|url=https://www.labor.nc.gov/workplace-rights/employee-rights-regarding-time-worked-and-wages-earned/what-know-about-breaks |title=What to Know About Breaks |publisher=North Carolina Department of Labor |accessdate=2024-07-14}} North Dakota,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/north-dakota/north-dakota-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=North Dakota Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} Ohio,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/ohio/ohio-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=Ohio Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} Oklahoma,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/oklahoma/oklahoma-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=Oklahoma Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} Oregon,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/oregon/oregon-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=Oregon Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} Pennsylvania,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=Pennsylvania Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-02-01}} Rhode Island,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/rhode-island/rhode-island-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=Rhode Island Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} South Carolina,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/south-carolina/south-carolina-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=South Carolina Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} South Dakota,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/south-dakota/south-dakota-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=South Dakota Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} Tennessee,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/tennessee/tennessee-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=Tennessee Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} Texas,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/texas/texas-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=Texas Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} Utah,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/utah/utah-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=Utah Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} Virginia,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/virginia/virginia-meal-and-break-laws/ |title=Virginia Meal and Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} Vermont,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/vermont/vermont-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=Vermont Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} West Virginia,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/west-virginia/west-virginia-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=West Virginia Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} Wisconsin,{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/wisconsin/wisconsin-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=Wisconsin Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} and Wyoming.{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/wyoming/wyoming-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=Wyoming Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}} There is no law in Washington, D.C. that requires a break room.{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/d-c/washington-d-c-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=Washington, D.C. Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}}

California Industrial Welfare Commission requires workplaces to have "suitable resting facilities" that are to be located "separate from toilet rooms".{{cite web|url=https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/faq_restperiods.htm |title=Rest Periods/Lactation Accommodation |publisher=California Department of Industrial Relations |accessdate=2024-07-14}} The Los Angeles Code of Ordinances states that "In all places of employment where employees are permitted to lunch on the premises, an adequate space suitable for that purpose shall be provided for the maximum number of employees who may use such space at one time. Such space shall be separate and apart from any location where there is an exposure to toxic materials."{{cite web|url=https://library.municode.com/ca/los_angeles_county/codes/code_of_ordinances/354460?nodeId=TIT11HESA_DIV1HECO_CH11.22INES_PT4LUROWAFA_11.22.450WAFAEQGE |title=Part 4 - LUNCH ROOMS AND WASHING FACILITIES |publisher=Municipal Code Corporation |accessdate=2025-04-20}}

Illinois law requires break rooms only for hotel workers, stating that "Every employer of hotel room attendants shall make available at all times a room on the employer's premises with adequate seating and tables for the purpose of allowing hotel room attendants to enjoy break periods in a clean and comfortable environment. The room shall have clean drinking water provided without charge."{{cite web|url=https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=022500850K15.1 |title=Illinois Compiled Statutes |publisher=Illinois General Assembly |accessdate=2024-08-11}}

The law code of the borough of Palisades Park, New Jersey, requires that in "all places of employment where employees are permitted to lunch on the premises, an adequate space suitable for that purpose shall be provided for the maximum number of employees who may use such space at any one time." The lunch room must include a covered trash receptacle and be located separate from any toxic materials.{{cite web|url=https://ecode360.com/9265598#9265599 |title=Borough of Palisades Park, NJ |publisher=eCode360 |accessdate=2025-04-20}} The same requirements are also found in the law code of Teaneck, New Jersey.{{cite web|url=https://ecode360.com/13649951#13649965 |title=Township of Teaneck, NJ |accessdate=2025-04-20}}

Washington state only requires break rooms at workplaces where workers could be exposed to toxic substances. The law states that "If the workplace exposes employees to injurious dusts or other toxic materials, the employer must provide a separate lunchroom unless it is convenient for employees to lunch away from the premises."{{cite web|url=https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=296-307-24030 |title=WAC 296-307-24030 |publisher=Washington State Legislature |accessdate=2024-07-14}} While some labor unions in the state have break room requirements, there is no general break room requirement under state law.{{cite web|url=https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/washington/washington-meal-and-rest-break-laws/ |title=Washington Meal and Rest Break Laws |publisher=WorkforceHub |accessdate=2025-04-20}}

Texas state law does not require break rooms. However, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has stated that where employee break rooms exist, they must be designed in accordance with Texas Accessibility Standards.{{cite web|url=https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/ab/info/TM2012-09.pdf |title=Employee Break Rooms |publisher=Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation |accessdate=2024-07-14}}

• Break (work)
• Lactation room
• Right to sit
• Sick leave

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|Break rooms}}

• [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-jan-07-fi-shop7-story.html Workers Must Be Given a Rest Area], Los Angeles Times

{{Occupational safety and health|state=expanded}}

{{Employment}}

Category:Occupational safety and health

Category:Rooms

Category:Working time