Alberta Lunch and Breaks

Topic 98-AB Importance: High

Purpose	Clarifies meal time as allocated by the Employment Standards Code.
Benefits	You are compliant with the legislation. Employees are aware of their rights. Avoid employee fatigue as they get a chance to recharge.
Risks	Workplace accidents from overwork and fatigue. Breaks taken at random time and varying duration expose the company to risks of non-compliance.
HR Expertise	Minimal. The requirements in the Employment Standards Code are very straightforward and easy to understand.
Time/Effort	Minimal.
Legal Review	Not necessary. However, if you made major changes to the topic, it is recommended that you have an Employment Lawyer review the policy.
Dependencies	This topic is dependent. Review the policy "Personal Activities in the Workplace". Refer to the Learn More link if you make any deletions or changes to the name of the policy. Learn more about dependencies, referencing this topic in other areas of the document, changing/deleting a topic name, changing or deleting a Formal Term
Key Decisions	Provide meal break longer than the legislated 30 mins? In a labour intensive/physically demanding work environment, it can be beneficial to the health & safety of the employees to have a longer break.
Key Approvals	Highest level in the senior management team Highest level in HR
Additional Resources	https://www.alberta.ca/hours-work-rest.aspx#toc-2
Additional Tips	Brief senior management team on the requirements under the Employment Standards Code. Get input if they wish to provide meal breaks over and above the requirement.
Getting Started	This policy requires very little customization. To create the policy in a breeze, it helps to familiarize yourself with this topic under the Employment Standards Code.

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