HR 102: Breaks in BC – Because recharging is essential

Written By Dawn McCann

Let’s be real: everyone needs a break. Coffee, stretching, staring out the window pretending you’re deep in thought, it’s the little pauses that can keep humans functional.

In BC, breaks aren’t just nice-to-haves.

The Employment Standards Act (ESA) has some rules, and ignoring them can land you in hot water.

What the ESA Says About Breaks

Meal Breaks

  • Employees who work more than 5 hours in a row are entitled to a 30-minute unpaid meal break.

  • If the employee is required to be available to work during the break, it must be paid.

  • Breaks can be split or delayed with mutual agreement, but generally, they should happen mid-shift.

Rest Breaks

  • The ESA doesn’t require paid 15-minute rest breaks, but many employers provide them to keep employees sane and productive.

  • If you require employees to stay “on call” or available during rest breaks, then those breaks must be paid.

Exceptions

  • Some jobs with unusual hours, like emergency services or continuous operations, may have different arrangements. Always check the ESA or get advice if you’re unsure.

Why You Can’t Just Skip Breaks

  • Denying legally required meal breaks is a violation of the ESA. Employees can file complaints, and the Employment Standards Branch can investigate.

  • Even if you’re a small business and “everyone just works through lunch,” the law doesn’t care.

My Two Cents

Breaks aren’t just for employees to scroll TikTok. They’re legally protected, and they keep your team functional and sane. Treat them fairly, schedule them properly, and everyone wins.

Think of it like pit stops in a race. Skip them, and your car (or your employee) overheats. Take them seriously, and everyone crosses the finish line without melting down.

Dawn McCann

At The Ledger, we help small and medium-sized businesses bring order and clarity to their people, processes, and payroll. From HR support and bookkeeping to creative solutions that strengthen your brand, we combine precision with purpose.

Our name reflects our approach: a ledger is more than numbers — it’s a record of trust, accountability, and growth. Every page tells a story, and we’re here to make sure yours is written with integrity.

Whether it’s one paycheck, one policy, or one project at a time, The Ledger is your partner in building something meaningful.

https://www.theledger.ca
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