Johnson School
Cornell University

Rest Periods

Rest Periods, while not required by law, should be encouraged.  The following guidelines might be of some assistance:

• A rest period is considered time worked and should not exceed two, fifteen minute breaks a day;
• Rest period time may not be added to the lunch hour or other off-duty time;
• Rest period time cannot be accumulated to provide for a prolonged period of time off;
• Scheduling of rest periods for individuals should not interfere with normal operations; and
• Rest periods should not occur at the beginning or conclusion of the work day.

Lunch hours are required by law.  When a nonexempt employee works more than four hours which includes the period of 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the department must provide and the employee must take at least 30 minutes for the meal period. 

Last Modified: June 7, 2004