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Breaks during a shift in Greece: 15 to 30 minutes after 4 hours
How long a break an employee is entitled to, after how many hours, why it can’t come at the start or end of a shift, and how it fits into a store’s schedule.
Part of the guide: Shift scheduling for businesses with several stores: the guide
When the day’s work runs past 4 consecutive hours, an employee is entitled to a break of at least 15 and at most 30 minutes, during which they may leave their workstation. The break is not working time, and it can’t be given right at the start or end of the shift. The rule is in article 172 of the Labour Code (Presidential Decree 62/2025).
At a glance
- When: once the day’s work runs past 4 consecutive hours.
- How long: at least 15 and at most 30 minutes.
- Where: the employee may leave their workstation.
- Not at the start or end of the shift.
- Not working time.
What it means in practice
An 8-hour shift from 06:30 to 14:30 runs past 4 consecutive hours, so it has a break. That break can’t be 06:30–06:45, or 14:15–14:30: that wouldn’t be a break, just a shorter shift. It goes somewhere in between, for example 10:30–10:45.
A 4-hour shift doesn’t run past 4 hours, so the rule doesn’t require a break. A 5-hour one does.
Who sets the details
The Code sets the minimum and maximum. The specific terms, such as the length within those limits and the conditions, are set by the collective agreement or by law. Where they aren’t, they are agreed at company level, through consultation between the employer and the employees’ representatives, based on a written risk assessment.
Whether the break is paid, or counts within the contract hours, depends on the collective agreement or on your agreement. The Code only says it is not working time.
How it fits into the store’s schedule
The break is the employee’s right, but the store must stay covered while it lasts. That is a scheduling question, not one of goodwill:
- Stagger breaks. Two people on the same shift don’t go on break together.
- Watch roles with one person. If only one person is on the kitchen in the morning, their break needs someone who knows the role, or a quiet hour.
- Look at where shifts overlap. When the afternoon shift starts before the morning one ends, the overlap is often the best time for a break.
- Don’t put it at the end so they “leave early”. The Code doesn’t allow it.
Frequently asked questions
How long a break does someone get in an 8-hour shift?
At least 15 and at most 30 minutes, since the shift runs past 4 consecutive hours. The collective agreement may set more specific terms.
Can the break be given at the end of the shift?
No. The break may not be given right at the start or end of the day’s work.
Does the break count as working time?
No, according to the Labour Code. Whether it is paid or counts within the contract hours depends on the collective agreement or on your agreement.
Sources
- Labour Code (Presidential Decree 62/2025), article 172: Breaks (in Greek)
- Labour Code, article 171: Daily rest (in Greek)
This article describes the general rule as it stands on 2 November 2026; it is not legal advice. Collective agreements and special provisions allow exceptions, so for your own case, talk to your accountant or legal adviser.