--- title: How to configure a Break Category description: StaffWizard Knowledge Base --- [Skip to content](https://www.staffwizard.com/en/staffwizard-knowledge-base/how-to-configure-a-break-category#main-content) ![StaffWizard Logo colorways-06](https://www.staffwizard.com/hs-fs/hubfs/StaffWizard%20Logo%20colorways-06.png?width=400&height=219&name=StaffWizard%20Logo%20colorways-06.png) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Contact us](mailto:Support@staffwizard.com) [Contact us](mailto:Support@staffwizard.com) Need a hand with something? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [StaffWizard Knowledge Base](https://www.staffwizard.com/en/staffwizard-knowledge-base?hsLang=en) 2. [StaffWizard Articles](https://www.staffwizard.com/en/staffwizard-knowledge-base/staffwizard-articles?hsLang=en) 3. [Break Management](https://www.staffwizard.com/en/staffwizard-knowledge-base/staffwizard-articles?hsLang=en#break-management) # How to configure a Break Category **Configuring Break Rules for Shifts** To properly configure break rules for **shifts,** you need to follow a specific sequence of steps. The first and most important step is to **set up break categories**. Without this setup, you won’t be able to proceed to configure **Break Types**, as the Break Types panel requires at least one category to be defined. #### Adding a Break Category To add a break category: 1. Go to the **Master Company Settings** and select the **Master Controls** tab. From the left-hand menu, click on **Break Management**. Once you're in the Break Management section, select the **Break Categories** tab to open the panel 2. If you want to add a new category, click the **\[+ Add\]** button located at the top right corner of the panel. 3. A new row will appear in the list. Here, you can: 4. Enter the **name** of the break category. 5. Define the **time frame** in which the break can be taken by specifying the **minimum** and **maximum duration**. 6. Choose whether the break can be **waived** (optional)![](https://www.staffwizard.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/32802724279191.png) Keep in mind that if you do **not** allow a break to be waived here, it cannot be overridden later using the 'Break Waiving' option under the Break Rules panel—even if that option is selected. The settings in the Break Category take precedence. ![](https://www.staffwizard.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/32802730825879.png) After entering all the necessary information for a break category, make sure to click the **Save** button at the end of the row to save your changes. You can create as many break categories as needed. Once you’ve finished setting them up, you can move on to the next step: configuring **Break Types**. ![](https://www.staffwizard.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/32802730826135.png)![](https://www.staffwizard.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/32802724281879.png) Related to - [Breaks](https://www.staffwizard.com/hc/en-us/search?content_tags=01JXNA9MAN0GG80QWQWJWAW1VK&utf8=%E2%9C%93&hsLang=en) - [Break Category](https://www.staffwizard.com/hc/en-us/search?content_tags=01JXNBXSS0BCQW7FNMAC0MBER0&utf8=%E2%9C%93&hsLang=en) - [StaffWizard Articles](https://www.staffwizard.com/en/staffwizard-knowledge-base/staffwizard-articles?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Reports](https://www.staffwizard.com/en/staffwizard-knowledge-base/staffwizard-articles?hsLang=en#reports) - [Master Company Settings](https://www.staffwizard.com/en/staffwizard-knowledge-base/staffwizard-articles?hsLang=en#master-company-settings) - [Employees](https://www.staffwizard.com/en/staffwizard-knowledge-base/staffwizard-articles?hsLang=en#employees) - [Invoicing & Accounts Receivable](https://www.staffwizard.com/en/staffwizard-knowledge-base/staffwizard-articles?hsLang=en#invoicing-accounts-receivable) - [Clients](https://www.staffwizard.com/en/staffwizard-knowledge-base/staffwizard-articles?hsLang=en#clients) - [Onboarding](https://www.staffwizard.com/en/staffwizard-knowledge-base/staffwizard-articles?hsLang=en#onboarding) - [Message Center](https://www.staffwizard.com/en/staffwizard-knowledge-base/staffwizard-articles?hsLang=en#message-center) - [Scheduling](https://www.staffwizard.com/en/staffwizard-knowledge-base/staffwizard-articles?hsLang=en#scheduling) - [Shift Management](https://www.staffwizard.com/en/staffwizard-knowledge-base/staffwizard-articles?hsLang=en#shift-management) - [Human Resources](https://www.staffwizard.com/en/staffwizard-knowledge-base/staffwizard-articles?hsLang=en#human-resources) - [Break Management](https://www.staffwizard.com/en/staffwizard-knowledge-base/staffwizard-articles?hsLang=en#break-management) - [Payroll Engine Articles](https://www.staffwizard.com/en/staffwizard-knowledge-base/payroll-engine-articles?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Reports](https://www.staffwizard.com/en/staffwizard-knowledge-base/payroll-engine-articles?hsLang=en#reports) - [Payroll Checks](https://www.staffwizard.com/en/staffwizard-knowledge-base/payroll-engine-articles?hsLang=en#payroll-checks) - [Payrolls](https://www.staffwizard.com/en/staffwizard-knowledge-base/payroll-engine-articles?hsLang=en#payrolls) - [Mobile Application](https://www.staffwizard.com/en/staffwizard-knowledge-base/mobile-application?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Mobile Application Overview](https://www.staffwizard.com/en/staffwizard-knowledge-base/mobile-application?hsLang=en#mobile-application-overview) [![SW HAT LOGO](https://www.staffwizard.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SW%20HAT%20LOGO.png?width=100&height=96&name=SW%20HAT%20LOGO.png "SW HAT LOGO")](https://staffwizard.com?hsLang=en) [mailto:support@staffwizard.com](mailto:support@staffwizard.com) Copyright © 2025,