Break policies define how meal and rest breaks must be taken based on local labor laws (country or state).
This article shows how clients can use Deel Time Tracking to configure break policies, guide workers toward compliant submissions, and review or resolve non-compliant breaks during approvals.
Please note that Break Policies apply per jurisdiction and can be assigned to sites, teams, or worker groups.
In this article:
How break policies affect worker submissions
Before you start
Break policies are jurisdiction-based (country/state).
For EOR employers you can only use Deel compliance-focused default policies.
Supported break types at launch: meal and rest.
Paid vs unpaid breaks are supported where applicable.
Time Tracking must be enabled for the worker.
How to configure break policies for your workers
Step 1 - Navigate to Break Policies
Go to the Organization settings icon and click on the Break Policies tab. Click on Create Break Policy.
Step 2 - Create a New Break policy
Enter the Break policy name and select the worker type that will follow this policy. Select between the EOR - hourly or EOR - salaried worker types.
Step 3 - Add Break Policy details
Please specify the countries where this break policy will be applied. Further select the states in the country (if applicable).
Step 4 - Configure the Rules for the policy
Where applicable, you can enable or disable the meal or rest breaks for your worker.
Please note that some rules for breaks for EOR workers from the assigned countries are preset for compliance. Disabling such rules is not possible as they can put compliance at risk.
Review policy details and click on Finish.
How to Manage Break Policies
You can view and manage break policies in:
-
Time Tracking settings → Break Policies Tab
Create, edit, or deactivate policies
See assigned jurisdictions (country/state)
Policy assignment is controlled through:
Sites or locations
Worker groups
Important: Policies are applied based on the worker’s assigned jurisdiction and worker status. If a worker’s location or contract type changes, review policy assignment to ensure compliance.
How break policies affect worker submissions
Once a break policy is assigned:
Workers see suggested breaks during submission (if enabled)
Submitted breaks are validated in real time by our system.
Non-compliant breaks are flagged automatically for manager/client review.
Frequently Asked Questions
[ACCORDION] What counts as a non-compliant break?
Missing, too short, mistimed, or an insufficient number of breaks, as defined by the assigned policy, count as non-compliant breaks.
[ACCORDION] Do break penalties always apply?
Break penalties are only applied in jurisdictions and scenarios where required by local rules and the configured policy.