This guide is for System Administrators (Requires 'System Admin' role and 'Time Tracking setup' permission).
Overview:
This guide explains how to configure mandatory break rules for Time Tracking, allowing either manual break entries or automatic break calculations based on hours worked.
How Break Configuration Works:
Break settings enable compliance with working time regulations by defining required rest periods across different working hour thresholds.
How to Set Up Breaks:
- Navigate to Admin tools > Admin panel > Global > Time Tracking
- Scroll down to Breaks section
- Tick Enable breaks
- Configure time bands:
- Set Hours worked threshold per band
- Define Required break length
- Add up to 5 bands if needed
- Click Save
There are two modes for breaks which can be selected once enabled.
- Use Worked Hours
- Use Day Span
Determines how breaks should be calculated. "Use day span" takes the difference between the start of the first working period and end of the last working period, which means the break calculation will be consistent whether or not users choose to add a break manually or not. "Use worked hours" uses the time spent working when calculating breaks, following guidelines in some European countries, but is not consistent with whether a user manually enters a break or not.
Break Implementation Options:
- Manual entry: Users input breaks when submitting timesheets
- Automatic application: System calculates required breaks based on hours worked
Example Configuration:
Pallas Accountants use two break bands:
- 7.5+ hours worked → Automatic 30-minute break applied
- 4+ hours worked → 15-minute break to be entered manually
Additional Information:
- Key terminology:
- Time bands: Working hour thresholds with associated breaks
- Mandatory breaks: Required rest periods by law/policy, enforced through edays
- Prerequisites: Time Tracking must be enabled
- Tip: Align bands with national working time regulations and laws
- Best practice: Communicate break rules to affected teams
- Reminder: Up to 5 break bands can be configured
- Warning: Changes apply to future timesheets only