Break modes: automatic or manual

Break modes in Shiftdesk

Breaks are one of the most common points of dispute in payroll. Shiftdesk offers five modes so you can choose the right strategy for each team.

The five modes

ModeBehaviorWhen it makes sense
noneNo automatic break. Only what was actually clocked or entered counts.Office without a mandatory break (shifts under 6 h)
autodeductThe statutory minimum break is deducted automatically when the gross time requires it. A longer actual break overrides the minimum value.Standard for most companies
fromplanThe break from the schedule always counts, regardless of what was clocked.Plan-based teams, trust-based working time
fromplanorclockifmoreThe plan break is the basis — unless the employee took a longer break (clocked).A fair mixed solution: plan as the lower bound, clocking as the correction
manualBreaks are recorded exclusively by the employee or manager.On-call services, field service, home work

Statutory minimum breaks (DACH)

Shiftdesk knows the national break rules and applies them in the autodeduct mode:

CountryWhen more thanMinimum break
Germany (ArbZG)6 h30 min
Germany (ArbZG)9 h45 min
Austria (AZG)6 h30 min
Switzerland (ArG)5.5 h15 min
Switzerland (ArG)7 h30 min
Switzerland (ArG)9 h60 min
These rules are configurable in case your collective agreement differs.

Example calculation — autodeduct (Germany)

  • Clocked times: 08:00 to 17:30 = 9 h 30 min gross
  • Clocked break: 20 min
  • Required under ArbZG (>9 h): 45 min
  • Effective break: 45 min (the minimum break applies)
  • Net: 8 h 45 min

Setting the break mode

Go to Settings → Time tracking → Breaks. Choose the mode and, if applicable, deviating break rules. The setting can be made per organization, location, department or employee.

Tip

For hospitality and retail, autodeduct is the standard. For office teams with trust-based working time, fromplan is suitable. For on-call services, manual is the only correct choice.

See also Tracking modes.

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Break modes: automatic or manual · Knowledge base | Shiftdesk