Can I Work 6 Hours Without A Lunch Break?

In most states, employees working 6 or more hours must be given a 30-minute meal break. However, some states allow shorter shifts without a mandatory break, and federal law does not require meal breaks at all​.

State-Specific Meal Break Laws

While federal law does not require employers to provide meal breaks, state laws determine whether a meal break is required when working 6 hours.

1. Colorado Break Laws

• Employees must receive a 30-minute uninterrupted meal break if working 5+ hours.
• If the job prevents a duty-free meal, the break must be paid​.

2. Florida Break Laws

• No state law mandates meal breaks for employees 18+.
• Employers who offer breaks must provide at least 30 minutes unpaid, where employees are fully relieved of duty​.

3. Illinois Break Laws

• Employees working 7.5+ hours must receive a 20-minute unpaid meal break within the first 5 hours of the shift.
• If working 12+ hours, an additional 20-minute meal break is required​.

4. Nevada Break Laws

• Employees working 8+ continuous hours must receive a 30-minute unpaid meal break.
• Employees working between 3.5 and 7 hours are entitled to a 10-minute rest break, but not a meal break​.

5. Oregon Break Laws

• Employees working 6+ hours must receive a 30-minute unpaid meal break.
• If working 14+ hours, an additional 30-minute break is required​.

6. Texas Break Laws

• No state law mandates meal breaks for adults.
• Employers who offer meal breaks must ensure employees are fully relieved of duties for the break to be unpaid​.

7. Washington State Break Laws

• Employees working 5+ hours must receive a 30-minute unpaid meal break.
• If working 11+ hours, a second 30-minute meal break must be provided​

Tracking Meal Break Compliance

To ensure compliance with state break laws, employers use timesheet reporting to accurately document employee break times. This prevents wage disputes and ensures labor law adherence. 

Additionally, businesses use track billable hours tools to ensure that unpaid meal breaks are properly deducted from total work hours. Time card approval systems further help managers verify that employees are taking their legally mandated breaks, reducing the risk of penalties.

References