I worked for a company where we ate our lunch at our desks while working so we only ended up working an eight hour day. This was a plus and everyone had no problem with it. I recently began working for a different company and they are almost insisting on a 30 minute lunch period so you have to be here 8 1/2 hours. I like the other arrangement better. What are the laws regarding this? Can I eat at my desk while working or only take a 15 minute lunch break? I do not take any other breaks during the work day. Please help?

There are no laws regarding this. This is a matter of company policy.

The law is that this is the company you work for and you have to follow their rules, This is more the common methoid over all. Sorry but the law is you follow company rules or find another job.

It depends on your labor type and on your state. If you are a non-exempt employee, the rules in your state may be that a lunch break is mandatory.

Otherwise, it may just be company policy. Some companies give their managers no leeway in interpreting company policy, others give their managers more discretion.