Employee Frustrated Over Break Policy That Keeps Workers Confined to Store Pantry
A retail worker in Singapore has expressed frustration over a workplace policy that forbids employees from leaving the store during their breaks, instead requiring them to eat only in the staff pantry.
A Restrictive Policy
Sharing his experience on the r/askSingapore subreddit on Sunday (March 16), the employee described the rule as “absurd,” arguing that break time should allow workers to step away and mentally recharge.
Rather than providing a genuine break, the policy made him feel as if he were always on call. “The manager can summon me back at any time if the store gets busy. It’s like I never actually clock out,” he explained.
In his previous retail and packing roles, he had always been free to leave the premises during his breaks, making this new restriction particularly frustrating.
Workload and Low Pay Adding to Stress
Beyond the rigid policy, he found the job itself to be exhausting. Only three days into his new role, he already felt drained by long hours and the responsibility of handling high-value merchandise.
“For just S$2,000 a month, I’m dealing with expensive stock. If anything goes missing and no one admits fault, we all have to share the loss. When I factor in my break time, I’m basically working 10-hour days,” he wrote.
Frustrated, he made up his mind: “This is ridiculous. I’ll quit as soon as I find something better. Eating in the store pantry isn’t a proper break.”
Public Reactions and Advice
Other Singaporeans shared their thoughts in the comments. Some sympathised with his frustration, with one user saying, “I completely understand. I prefer to eat outside because I need personal space too. Hope you find a better job soon!”
Others encouraged him to push back against the policy. “Retail always has a staff shortage. You have more power than you think. Check your contract—if they’re breaching any rules about break times, you can fight it,” one commenter advised.
Some speculated that the rule was intended to maintain the store’s professional image. “I worked in F&B before, and we weren’t allowed to eat outside either. We had to use a tiny pantry,” another user shared.
One particularly blunt response summed up the general sentiment: “This is worse than the army.”
MOM Guidelines on Employee Breaks
According to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), employees working more than six hours straight are entitled to a break. Those on eight-hour shifts must receive at least 45 minutes to eat and rest. However, MOM does not specify where breaks must be taken, leaving individual companies to set their own policies.
