The big picture: The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently issued an opinion letter clarifying that time spent walking to and from a designated break area can be considered part of a noncompensable meal period.

Why it matters: This guidance impacts how employers calculate compensable work time, potentially affecting payroll costs and compliance for businesses and staffing agencies.

Between the lines:

• DOL Opinion Letter FLSA2026-11 addresses a 60-minute unpaid meal period.
• The Wage and Hour Division (WHD) concluded such periods remain bona fide and noncompensable.
• Key is that employees are "completely relieved from duty" during the entire meal period.

Staffing & HR impact: Staffing firms must ensure client site policies align with this guidance to avoid wage and hour violations and potential back pay liabilities. HR departments should review and update their meal break policies and timekeeping practices accordingly.

The bottom line: Employers gain clarity on meal period compensation, but strict adherence to employees being fully relieved from duty remains paramount.