Assigned Tasks During Break Time at Work

In light of the rise of remote work arrangements, many employees find themselves being increasingly assigned tasks during a work break. While the issue is not new, and there are many misconceptions about Ontario work break laws. These misconceptions could lead to burnout for employees and potential legal liability for employers. 

What Are the Ontario Break Laws?

In most Ontario workplaces, the minimum standards governing employment relationships are outlined by the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (the “ESA”). Contrary to popular misconceptions, the ESA only requires that employees be provided a total 30 minute unpaid “eating period” upon or within every 5 consecutive hours of work. This break must be uninterrupted, and therefore an employee can not be assigned work during break.

Employers can choose to provide employees multiple breaks in addition to the lunch break or choose to pay an employee for their lunch period, depending on the terms of the employment agreement in place. An employer and an employee can agree orally or in writing to split the 30-minute break into 2 within every 5 consecutive hours of work so long as the total break time adds up to at least 30 minutes. 

For clarity, employees are not legally entitled to bathroom breaks, coffee breaks, or other short breaks in addition to their 30 minute eating period upon or within 5 consecutive hours of work. However, employers may be obligated to provide an employee with additional break periods to accommodate an employee in the workplace pursuant to the Ontario Human Rights Code. 

Can An Employer Interrupt a Break at Work?

Under the ESA, an employee’s 30-minute break must be uninterrupted for the employee to be considered to have taken their break. If an employee’s break was interrupted by an employer, they would be entitled to take another full 30-minute break that is uninterrupted. 

If an employer assigned work during break while the employee was on their 30-minute break, it would be considered an interruption that would entitle an employee to an additional 30-minute break. For example, if an employee is on their statutory break for 15 minutes, and their employer assigned work for them during that break, the employee would be entitled to a further 30 minutes of break that must be uninterrupted. 

What Happens If I am Assigned Tasks During Break at Work?

Employers are obligated under the ESA to provide an employee with an uninterrupted 30-minute unpaid break upon or within 5 hours of consecutive work. If the employee’s break is interrupted by work assigned work during break, the employee would be entitled to another full 30-minute break that is uninterrupted. 

Both employers and employees should consult an employment lawyer to determine their obligations and rights respecting break periods as every case turns on their unique facts. 

Contact Us

If you are an employer who wants to know more about their obligations under the ESA, or an employee who has questions about their rights under the ESA, our team of experienced workplace lawyers at Achkar Law can help. Contact us by phone toll-free at + 1-800-771-7882 or email us at [email protected] and we would be happy to assist.

Further Reading

• Overtime And Vacation Pay Rules For Ontario Employees
• Mental Health Leave In Ontario: What You Need To Know
• Ontario Employment Standards Act, 2000: Your Handbook