Michigan break, overtime and sick leave rules

Meal and rest breaks, overtime and paid sick leave in Michigan, in plain words. Last reviewed October 31, 2026. Not legal advice.

The rules in Michigan#

Meal breaks: No general meal break rule for adults.
Rest breaks: No general paid rest break rule for adults.
Overtime: 1.5 times the regular rate after 40 hours in a workweek, for employers of 2 or more employees. No daily overtime, double time or seventh‑day rule.
Paid sick leave: Yes (Earned Sick Time Act). Employees accrue at least 1 hour per 30 hours worked. Small businesses (10 or fewer employees) may cap use at 40 hours per year; all other employers may cap use at 72 hours per year.

Oh! Thyme runs a company in Michigan on the federal rules. On every shift it checks:

Overtime after 40 hours in a workweek, worked out week by week
Every punch and break, to the minute
Sick leave balances build from approved hours at the rate set for each person, such as 1 hour per 30 worked, stop at their cap, and come down when time off is approved.