In this article
Am I entitled to breaks during my shift?
Topic
Shifts
Freelance shift
Employed shift
31 Jul 2026
Taking a break while you work is always important. It gives you time to eat, relax, and get back to work with fresh energy. Here are the rules for freelance and employed shifts.
Employed shift
For employed shifts, there are legal rules about breaks depending on how long your shift is. The Working Hours Act defines your right to breaks:
- Shifts longer than 4.5 hours: You’re entitled to a 15-minute break
- Shifts longer than 5.5 hours: You’re entitled to a 30-minute break
- Shifts longer than 10 hours: You’re entitled to a 45-minute break
Breaks can also be split into several shorter periods of at least 15 minutes.
The CAO (collective labor agreement) that applies to the shift may include extra rules about breaks. And it’s up to the company to decide whether your break time is paid or unpaid.
Freelance shift
If you work a freelance shift, you have plenty of freedom. You’re not required to take a break. You and the client can decide together when and how long your break will be.
