Is your manager supposed to tell you when you can go on break, or do you just get up and go?

Question

Sorry this is my first job, I am a dishwasher at a restaurant. I'm legally entitled to a half hour every five hours...so yesterday I worked eight hours straight...is he supposed to tell me to take a break, or do I just get up and go...if I go on a break for half an hour the backlog would be horrendous.

Answer 1

You need to negotiate with your manager as to when the best time to take a break is. B

efore you start your next shift, simply say you'd like to discuss your break time. Ask if you should just go at X o'clock (half way through your shift), or if you should wait until he tells you the time is right. Say you are happy to take the initiative to go at a slightly quieter time if it relieves him of the need to follow up on you.

As the manager, the decision is his.

But if you are entitled to a break, you should always take it.

The idea of a break is to give you physical and mental time to "recharge" from the work you are doing, to grab a bite to eat and to get to the toilet.

It's not a 'treat' ~ breaks are essential to good work practice, so please make sure you take your break, you will find the backlog is easier to cope with when you feel refreshed.

And, as you are a dishwasher if you can get outside for five minutes for a stretch and a walk, it's a good idea ~ all that steam and detergent can give you a fuzzy head after a while!

Good luck :-)

Answer 2

You are legally entitled to your break no boss should expect you to work 8 hrs straight I think he may be taking advantage of this being your first job Suggest you say something before you start work like I know that i am entitled to a break but worry about the backlog what do you usually do put the ball in his court good luck

Answer 3

This is to be worked out between you and your boss. If you are not getting breaks, it's against the law. An 8 hr. day requires one 15 minute break in the morning and the afternoon. Your arrangement sounds a little different. No matter what the arrangement, you ask for your break so the manager can move someone into your position to pick up the time you are gone. If there is no one to do that, then your break is shorter but you get one. If you aren't asking for your breaks, then he is taking advantage of you by letting you work through the day without them. Talk to him and ask how you and he can work this out.

Answer 4

Some of these people are close, but here is the fact. If you are in Pennsylvania and under the age of 18 you are legally required to get a break on or before 5 hours of work.If you are above 18, you are not required to have any break unless it is company policy. If you think you need a break then you have to ask for it.

Answer 5

I always like to ask something like "Is it okay if I take my fifteen minutes breaks at ten and three o'clock?". That kind of lets them know that you are intending to take your breaks, but you understand they are the authority person. Usually they say that's fine, suggest better times, or have me ask my immediate supervisor, etc.

Of course, In your case it would be a half hour at whatever time you think is appropriate. I think the sooner the better, so that you don't work any more eight hour days without a break.

Answer 6

Managers are either too busy, or assume everything is OK with you, so it is unlikely that he will ever ask you to have a break.
I suggest, when you feel it is the right time to take a break, because, for example, you are tired and the work is not at its peak, ask your manager. If it's not OK he will probably suggest something like "finish first this lot first, and then you can have a break".

Answer 7

You need to talk to your boss about this. Why in the world would you take directions from an anonymous Yahoo! poster instead of just asking him?

Be careful spewing about what you are "legally entitled to" until you learn the ropes there... because the way you stated your rights above ("I'm legally entitled to a half hour every five hours") is incorrect.

Just talk to your boss and figure out how he operates.

Answer 8

You should ask your manager about that. Ask him or her what time should you take break. They can't expect you to work straight without having any break. But you also need to let them know when you will be taking a break so they can have somebody else cover your station.

Answer 9

here's a general rule for you to follow in any work place. if you think it's about time for a break and your manager isn't around, don't just walk off. you are asking for a bad reputation or the sack.

always communicate with the manager. you kind of have to take the piss. tell him almost all your moves/intentions. you do the same with staff on the same/below level. you should also always communicate to customers if your job requires it.

always say what other people want to hear at work. don't throw your own independence at work too much. quickest way to lose your promotion chances. some people won't suck up to their bosses but trust me, it's stupid not to. you make the job harder on yourself.

of course, you're just a dishwasher so you don't really need to think about this.

Answer 10

I would ask your boss tomorrow when you arrive.
Ask him if you need to have a scheduled time for break so someone covers for you, or if you're permitted to just go after 4 hours or so.
It's always best to ask - in a polite and friendly way- which they prefer you to do.
You sound like a hard, conscientous worker - they're lucky to have you!