The law doesn't require employers to offer rest breaks. However, those who choose to do so must compensate the workers for the rest time.Short rest breaks, usually lasting about 5 to 20 minutes, are considered compensable work hours and must be paid. Workers have a right to at least a 30minute meal break or each 6 hours worked in a calendar day. Does your state require employers give workers lunch breaks? Find out the regulations on lunch break laws and rest periods here. If there is an unpaid break it has to be at least 30 minutes long and employees are free to leave for the duration of this time. Michigan does not require employers to provide breaks, including lunch breaks, for workers 18 years old or older. Although breaks are not required, employers must pay employees for time they spend working and for shorter breaks during the day. They are not entitled to dock your pay for 15 minute breaks, regardless if you take them or not.