Raken gives you flexibility to capture breaks in multiple ways depending on your company's requirements or the state you're working in. Break rules are configured inside your Time Policy and apply automatically to all employees assigned to that policy.
Quick Answer
To configure breaks for a Time Policy:
Click Company in the left navigation, then click Time > Policies.
Click Edit policy on the policy you want to update.
Click Breaks in the policy left navigation.
Enable Meal breaks and/or Rest breaks using the toggles.
Set duration, minimum duration, and compensation type for each break, then click Save.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This feature is available on the Raken web app only.
Step 1: Navigate to Breaks
Log into the Raken web app. Click Company in the left navigation, then click Time > Policies. Click Edit policy on the policy you want to configure, then click Breaks in the policy left navigation.
Step 2: Review Default Breaks
The default break types are pre-loaded: Default Policy Rest (10 min, paid) and Default Policy Meal (30 min, unpaid). The columns show: Type, Default duration, Minimum duration, Compensation, and Enabled.
Step 3: Enable or Disable Break Types
Use the toggle on the right of each break type to activate or deactivate it for this policy.
Step 4: Edit Break Settings
Click the pencil icon next to any break type to adjust:
Default duration — the standard length of the break
Minimum duration — the shortest allowable break
Compensation — paid or unpaid
Step 5: Configure Break Tracking Requirements
Click Settings in the policy left navigation. Under Break tracking, choose how supervisors must capture break details:
Require start and end time
Require start time and duration
Require break duration only
Detailed start/end time tracking is recommended for states with strict break compliance requirements.
Step 6: Save
Click the orange Save button. The updated break settings apply to all future time cards for employees assigned to this policy.
Troubleshooting & FAQ
Do break changes apply to existing time cards?
No. Changes apply only to time cards created after the change is saved.
Can I have different break rules for different projects?
Yes. Assign a different Time Policy to a specific project using project-level exceptions. See Enabling and Managing Project-Level Time Policy Exceptions.
Can employees log their own breaks when using Time Clock?
Yes. When Time Clock is enabled, employees can log breaks directly from their device. The break types available are determined by the breaks configured in their assigned Time Policy.
What is the difference between paid and unpaid breaks?
Paid breaks count toward total hours for the day. Unpaid breaks are deducted. This affects overtime calculations — configure compensation type carefully to ensure accurate payroll.
Technical Specifications
Compatibility: Web app only
Offline Capability: No — requires an active connection
Plan Required: All plans
Add-on Required: None
Role Required: Account Administrator only
Considerations
Only Account Administrators can create and edit break rules.
Break changes apply to future time cards only.
Break settings also apply to projects using project-level policy exceptions.
Related Articles
More Questions?
Feel free to email us or call us at +1 866-438-0646. We're always glad to answer your questions!