Non-Factory Workers are entitled to a 30-minute lunch break between a.m. and. Employers do not have to provide other "breaks", such as for "rest periods" or "coffee breaks.This pamphlet is intended to provide Employers and Employees with general information about their employment rights and responsibilities in New York State. Rest breaks are not required, but all breaks 20 minutes or less must be compensated as hours worked. Industry-Specific Scheduling Requirements. Employee meal breaks are required to be at least 30 minutes if an employee works six hours anywhere throughout New York state. Rest breaks usually last about five to 20 minutes. Again, include rest breaks in the total time an employee works if you offer them to employees. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) administers and enforces more than 180 federal laws. Federal law does not require lunch or coffee breaks.