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How to take bathroom breaks at work

On Behalf of | Dec 16, 2019 | Employee Rights |

Even if you’re working a short shift, there’s a good chance you’ll need to take at least one bathroom break throughout your day. While this sounds innocent enough, there’s a chance that your company is closely monitoring the number of breaks you take, as well as how long you’re away from your work.

Generally speaking, your employer has the legal right to restrict the number of bathroom breaks that you take. This is often necessary in certain positions, such as retail, where a person has to wait for a co-worker to cover them while they’re away from their post.

There are no laws in place to govern how employers monitor bathroom use and what employees can do, but too many restrictions can result in trouble for the company.

For example, if you have a medical condition that requires you to visit the bathroom often, discuss it with your employer to ensure that you’re on the same page. You should then expect them to do their best to accommodate your needs.

If an employer places unreasonable restrictions on you, it may be a violation of your legal rights, as it can have an adverse effect on your health.

The question to answer is whether or not the restrictions are reasonable or unreasonable. This is where the gray area comes into play.

If your bathroom breaks are a sticking point for your employer, discuss these concerns with your supervisor and/or human resources department. Depending on what happens next, you may need to learn more about your legal rights and the next steps to take.