Break Tracking Last updated June 2, 2026 · Desktop Connect

Breaks are periods of inactivity logged during punched-in hours. Employees request breaks, and the system tracks break type, duration, and frequency. Admins can configure break types and set maximum break durations per shift.

Break Types

Configure break types at Settings > Workplace > Breaks. Examples include:

  • Lunch (typically 30-60 minutes)
  • Tea Break (15-30 minutes)
  • Meeting (variable)
  • Prayer (15-20 minutes)
  • Custom breaks specific to your organization

Each break type has:

  • Name: Descriptive label
  • Max Break Time (minutes): Maximum duration allowed for a single break of this type
  • Status: Active or Inactive (deactivate to hide from employees, but historical data remains)
Note: Break types can be deactivated but not deleted. This preserves historical data while preventing new breaks of that type.

Employee Break Workflow

In the MyZen app, employees:

1 Click "Take a Break" button (visible while punched in)

2 Select a break type from the dropdown (Lunch, Tea, Meeting, etc.)

3 Click "Request Break"

4 A countdown timer starts showing the break duration

5 When returning from break, click "Resume Working"

During a break, the employee's activity is not tracked (no screenshots, no app monitoring), but break time is recorded.

Break Reports

View break activity in Reports > Break Report. The report shows:

  • Employee name
  • Break type taken
  • Break start and end times
  • Break duration

Filters: Team, Users, Date Range. Download: Export as CSV.

Overtime Break Alerts

Admins can configure alerts to notify when employees exceed their maximum break time per shift. Set up at Settings > Emails & Alerts > Alert Rules > Add Alert Rule. Choose alert type "Overtime Break" and configure which teams and break types trigger the alert.

Break Data Integration

Break time data flows into:

  • Attendance Reports: Break time is shown as a separate column
  • Activity Module: Break time is included in the time breakdown
  • Productivity Reports: Break time is excluded from productivity calculations (neither productive nor unproductive)
  • Dynamic Reports API: Break duration is a queryable column
Best Practice: Encourage employees to request breaks rather than taking undefined "idle time." Breaks provide transparency and respect for personal time. Active break tracking improves data quality and trust.