The FLSA does not guarantee breaks for exempt employees. Exempt employees receive meal and rest breaks at their employer’s discretion. Because the FLSA only has laws around which breaks should be paid (short breaks) and unpaid (lunch breaks), employers must understand the difference. In general, federal break laws only apply to the FLSA’s guidelines on paying nonexempt employees for all hours worked, including short breaks. Regardless, all workers—exempt and nonexempt—should track time and record their meal and rest breaks.