Workplace etiquette during lunch hours: a guide for employees' allowable and prohibited activities
It's August 13, 2025, and as the sun rises over Germany, employees are gearing up for another day at work. But what rights do they have when it comes to taking a break?
According to the Working Hours Act, employees who work more than six hours are entitled to at least 30 minutes break. After nine hours, it's 45 minutes. Breaks can be divided into segments of at least 15 minutes each. These breaks serve as unpaid rest periods during which employees should not perform work tasks.
Compulsory accident insurance only applies if the journey during the lunch break is directly related to work. Private leisure activities like going to an outdoor pool are not covered by compulsory accident insurance. So, employees can decide when to take their break and do anything they want, including going to the gym, the hairdresser, or taking a quick dip in the pool. However, skipping a lunch break is not allowed, as breaks are mandatory for recovery and legal reasons.
Operating machinery or working in safety-critical areas requires sobriety. While it's not forbidden to have a cool beer or a glass of wine during the lunch break, it should not be overdone. Sending employees on spontaneous breaks without notice is not allowed.
Employers can set a time frame for lunch breaks, but they must be predictable. There is no legal "siesta" in Germany, but companies can offer longer lunch breaks or shift working hours. Heat alert information regarding lunch breaks was available on the Studios NRW website from August 12, 2025, until August 12, 2027.
Breaks are mandatory and employees cannot be required to work more than 6 hours straight without a break. The rules apply broadly but certain sectors like nursing and catering may have specific exceptions or adaptations in scheduling. Breaks differ from annual leave or sick leave rights, which are governed by separate laws.
These break rules are part of Germany’s working time regulations aimed at protecting workers’ health and ensuring sufficient rest during the workday. The breaks serve as unpaid rest periods during which employees should not perform work tasks. Slipping in the kiddie pool on the balcony during a home office break is not covered by compulsory accident insurance.
The Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports that nearly a third of employees regularly skip their breaks, leading to diminished concentration, more mistakes, and a higher accident risk. Arndt Kempgens, a lawyer, emphasises the importance of taking breaks for both legal and health reasons.
In conclusion, understanding break rules is crucial for employees in Germany. Taking regular breaks not only improves performance, concentration, and well-being, but it is also a legal requirement. So, take a break, relax, and come back refreshed for the rest of the workday.
An employee in Germany can utilize their break time to engage in activities such as visiting a gym or getting their hair done, as these activities are not work-related and breaks are mandatory for recovery and legal reasons. However, skipping a lunch break is prohibited due to health and legal requirements.
In line with Germany's health and wellness policies, taking regular breaks during the workday is essential for improved performance, focus, and overall well-being. It's crucial for employees to understand the break rules to remain compliant and prioritize their rest periods to recharge and perform optimally.
