The first place I worked about 25 years ago was a 37.5. We weren’t allowed on “the floor” until about 5-10 before the start of the shift, were expected to leave for 30 minutes, and couldn’t stay more than 5 minutes after the shift ended.
I temped at one point as a front desk person at a 200+ lawyer law firm. Not only were you required to leave for lunch, but you were relieved for some time in the morning and the afternoon as they didn’t want you leaving the reception area nor having more than a mug of tea or glass of water at the desk.
Non-exempts were I work are 40 hours + one hour for lunch. When I was non-exempt I want to go to one of the competitors because they are a 37.5 place and the 9 hour day can get really long. Salaried are expected to work 40 hours a week and have the same general schedule as the non-exempt employees. Of course several of us have weeks that are 50+ hours and then have a week or two where we really only need to be there about 20-30 hours.
It’s what everyone said. It accounts for the 2.5 hours for 5 half hour lunches.
Then again, for those of us that are exempt, I don’t know anyone that works 40 hours. Personally I work a minimum of 55 hours a week and I eat lunch at my desk.
My company makes out big because between my partner and myself we work enough hours per week to justify a third employee which adds the cost of healthcare and other benefits.