# Breaks in the schedule

> Define breaks that are added automatically to shifts from a certain duration, and enable entry of paid breaks.

Source: https://help.shyfter.com/en/settings/breaks-in-the-schedule  
Category: Settings  
Updated: 2026-07-01

## Why configure breaks

Rather than adding a break by hand on each shift, here you define rules that apply automatically during scheduling. You save time and stay consistent with your obligations (in Belgium, a break is notably due from 6 hours of effective work).

Go to **Settings ⚙️ → Schedules → Breaks**.

## Enabling paid breaks

The **Enable paid breaks** option lets you enter a paid break value when creating a shift. When it is enabled, you can distinguish, on a shift, the paid break portion from the unpaid portion.

## Managing automatic breaks

Under **Break management**, you create breaks that are added automatically when scheduling a shift reaching a minimum number of hours. Click **Add an automatic break** and define the rule in the form:

- **Break duration** (in minutes), for example 30 minutes.
- **after** a certain **number of working hours**, for example 6 hours.
- **Break type**: **Paid break** or **Unpaid break**.

Example: 30 minutes of break after 6 hours of work. This 30-minute break will be added automatically to shifts of at least 6 hours.

You can create several rules to cover different thresholds (for example 15 minutes from 6 hours, 30 minutes from 8 hours).

## Breaks and clockings

The breaks configured here concern the schedule. To add automatic breaks to clockings, go to **Settings ⚙️ → Clocking → Settings**.

> If an employee takes a real break different from the planned one, it can be entered from Shyfter Staff or the Shyfter POS tablet, then adjusted in the performance control.