Is It Fair to Work 8 Hours Straight Without a Lunch Break? Seeking Your Thoughts

Hi All,

One of my colleagues is currently working for an MNC. As a new rule, they are scheduled for 8 hours a day. In the past, they were allowed to have a half-hour break. But now there is no lunch break. Timings have changed from 8 am to 4 pm.

Is it appropriate to work for 8 hours without taking a lunch break? Although there is an advantage in that he is off for the day one hour early with the new timings.

Request guidance.

WR Fay

Hi Fay,

As per the Shop and Establishment Act in Tamil Nadu, we are allowed to take a break for ten minutes every four hours. I am unsure whether this information is accurate, but our seniors will be able to provide guidance.

Regards

Lunch or tea breaks are necessary in any workplace. They are a right of an employee. The break should be for 10-15 minutes.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any more questions.

I think these conditions are not favorable for a healthy mind and work. We take lunch and coffee breaks so that we can recharge ourselves. I understand that the employee will be relieved one hour before, but will he/she be able to sustain hunger for so many hours? Also, there may be people who have certain illnesses like diabetes or anything; what about them? I think a 10-15 min break must be there if not half an hour. Another option is that you give a tea break to all for 10 min and whoever wants to have lunch in that can have it. But totally not having a lunch schedule is something not accepted.

Regards,
Anuradha

We should have at least a 10-minute break for every 2 hours. Alternatively, he can have a 30-40 minute break for every 4 hours. He should relax his mind, or else he will go mad. We are human beings, yaar!!!!!!

Hi,

A person without a break will go mad. He cannot be as productive as compared to others.

Regards

Hi Fay! You seem to be working in a Gulf country (as your profile indicates). I am not very familiar with labor laws there. In India, labor laws such as the Factories Act, Contract Labor Act, and Shops and Establishments Act are very clear and precise regarding breaks during working hours. You will need to check the labor laws in the country where you work. However, working for 8 hours without a break for lunch or food is illogical and somewhat 'inhuman'. If such a situation is noticed by any competent authority in any country, it would likely be objected to, in my opinion. I would appreciate the views of other members on this matter. - Hiten

Hi,

Our company operates from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Officially, we work 5 days a week, but most departments require employees to work on Saturdays as well. The standard working hours are 9 hours per day, including a 30-minute lunch break. However, I believe that working 9 hours a day, from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM, is excessive, especially considering the need to work on Saturdays.

I am wondering if there is a possible solution to this issue.

Thank you.

It's a crazy idea. As Anuradha mentioned - it will not encourage a healthy working condition. The mind needs periodic breaks and intake of food as required for a normal human being. How about suggesting the management to ask them to eat all three meals together and work continuously for 8 hours without a break? It's easy for employers to comment and "prepare such policies." But trust me, they would not let their own kids/family members go through this. Not following proper schedules when it comes to food and living can cause lifetime problems; it can increase/decrease blood pressure. Also, to immediately regain strength, there will be a tendency to take in more calories, which can increase all possibilities of being a sugar patient at a very young age. I guess going through a normal work routine of 8 hours of work and 45 minutes to 1 hour total break time will make life much easier, better, and longer.

It's totally against the labor policy/workmen policy to provide continuous work without a break. If approached in a labor court, the company will be sued and penalized, potentially leading to the cancellation of their license (factory). Now, strong enactments are in place to penalize such unscrupulous acts.

Hi, our company works from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Officially, we work 5 days a week, but most departments are required to work on Saturdays as well. The 9-hour workday includes a 30-minute lunch break, but I believe that working from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM is still too long, especially considering the additional work on Saturdays. Is there any solution to this?

kb

Chill friends, first, let the thread starter mention where his friend is working. Then we can decide. Also, even if they force him to work for 8 hours, at least he will go to the washroom. Or even that won't be allowed?

Hi Fay,

I believe that an employee should have a break for at least half an hour after long hours of working. A break will relax the mind, and a fresh mind will work much faster than before. Working without one will lead to stress and tension. Therefore, in my opinion, an employee deserves a break in between.