Boost Productivity and Health: The Benefits of Taking Breaks at Work
The modern work environment is often fast-paced, demanding, and non-stop. However, research has shown that taking regular breaks throughout the day can actually increase productivity, reduce stress and improve overall well-being. In this article, we will explore the numerous benefits of taking breaks at work, as well as the best practices for taking effective breaks.
Health Benefits of Taking Breaks at Work
Taking breaks at work can have numerous health benefits. Here are some of the ways that taking breaks can improve your physical and mental health:
1. Reduced Risk of Health Problems.
Sitting for long periods of time without breaks has been linked to numerous health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Taking regular breaks to stand up, stretch and move around can help to reduce the risk of these conditions. Standing up and moving around every 30 minutes can help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease according to the American Heart Association.
2. Reduced Stress and Anxiety
Working non-stop without taking breaks can lead to increased stress and anxiety levels. Taking regular breaks throughout the day can help to reduce stress levels and improve overall mental health. A study by the University of Illinois found that taking a break every 90 minutes can help to improve mood and reduce stress levels.
3. Improved Posture and Reduced Back Pain
Sitting for long periods of time without breaks can lead to poor posture and back pain. Taking breaks to stand up and stretch can help to improve posture and reduce the risk of back problems. It was shown in a study by the University of Waterloo, that taking micro-breaks every 20 minutes to stand up and stretch can help to reduce the risk of back pain.
3. Reduced Eye Strain
Staring at a computer screen for long periods of time can cause eye strain and fatigue. Taking regular breaks to rest the eyes can help to reduce these symptoms. The American Optometric Association recommends taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look away from the computer screen can help to reduce eye strain.
Productivity Benefits of Taking Breaks at Work
Taking breaks at work can also have numerous benefits for productivity. Here are some of the ways that taking breaks can increase productivity:
1. Increased Concentration and Focus
Taking short breaks every 90 minutes throughout the day can help to improve concentration and focus, allowing employees to work more efficiently and accurately (University of Illinois).
2. Enhanced Creativity
Diversions from work can stimulate creative thinking and problem-solving. Taking a break to engage in a different activity or simply to daydream can help to generate new ideas and approaches (University of British Columbia).
3. Better Decision-Making
Fatigue and burnout can impair decision-making ability. Taking breaks can help to prevent burnout, decision fatigue, and improves decision-making skills (Harvard Business Review).
4. Improved Memory
Taking regular breaks can help to consolidate memory and improve information retention according to a study by the University of California.
Cost Savings to Employers
In addition to the health and productivity benefits, taking breaks at work can also lead to cost savings for employers. Here are some of the ways that breaks can save employers money:
1. Reduced Absenteeism
Employees who take regular breaks are less likely to experience burnout and other stress-related illnesses, leading to reduced absenteeism and lower healthcare costs. In a study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, workers who took breaks throughout the day had lower rates of musculoskeletal disorders and a lower likelihood of missing work due to injury or illness.
2. Increased Productivity
As mentioned earlier, taking breaks at work can increase productivity by improving concentration, creativity, and decision-making abilities. This can lead to faster task completion and higher quality work, resulting in cost savings for employers.
3. Decreased Turnover
Employees who feel supported and cared for by their employers are more likely to stay with the company long-term. Offering breaks and prioritizing employee well-being can help to reduce turnover rates and save employers the costs associated with recruiting and training new employees.
Best Practices for Taking Breaks at Work
Now that we’ve discussed the numerous benefits of taking breaks at work, it’s important to note that not all breaks are created equal. Here are some best practices for taking effective breaks:
1. Take Frequent Short Breaks
Studies have shown that taking short, frequent breaks throughout the day is more effective than taking one long break. Aim to take a break every 90 minutes or so to stretch, move around, and rest your eyes.
2. Disconnect from Technology
Taking a break to scroll through social media or check emails is not an effective way to recharge. Instead, disconnect from technology during your break to allow your brain to rest and recharge.
3. Engage in a Different Activity
Taking a break to engage in a different activity can stimulate creativity and improve problem-solving skills. This could include going for a walk, chatting with a coworker, or doing a puzzle.
4. Prioritize Self-Care
Taking breaks at work is not only about improving productivity, but also about prioritizing your health and well-being. Use your breaks to prioritize self-care activities such as meditation, breathing exercises, or yoga.
Taking breaks at work is a simple but effective way to improve physical and mental health, increase productivity, and save costs for employers. By prioritizing breaks and implementing best practices, employees and employers alike can reap the benefits of a well-rested and rejuvenated workforce.
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References:
American Heart Association. (2018). Take a break for heart health. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/news/2018/05/17/take-a-break-for-heart-health
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. (2011). Brief diversions vastly improve focus, researchers find. Retrieved from https://news.illinois.edu/view/6367/204073
University of Waterloo. (2019). Taking breaks to stand up and move can prevent low back pain. Retrieved from https://uwaterloo.ca/news/news/taking-breaks-stand-and-move-can-prevent-low-back-pain
American Optometric Association. (2020). Computer vision syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/protecting-your-vision/computer-vision-syndrome
Harvard Business Review. (2019). To stay focused, manage your energy, not your time. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2019/01/to-stay-focused-manage-your-energy-not-your-time
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (2004). Musculoskeletal disorders and workplace factors: A critical review of epidemiologic evidence for work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the neck, upper extremity, and low back. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2004-120/pdfs/2004-120.pdf
University of British Columbia. (2013). Taking a break can lead to breakthroughs in creativity. Retrieved from https://www.ubc.ca/stories/2013-fall/creativity.html
University of California, Berkeley. (2017). Take a break! Just don’t check your phone. Retrieved from https://news.berkeley.edu/2017/09/25/take-a-break-just-dont-check-your-phone/
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University of Michigan. (2018). Yoga at work reduces stress, fatigue, and back pain. Retrieved from https://news.umich.edu/yoga-at-work-reduces-stress-fatigue-and-back-pain/
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U.S. Department of Labor. (n.d.). Employer costs for employee compensation. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ncs/ebs/employer-costs-for-employee-compensation.htm
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National Institutes of Health. (2020). Relaxation techniques for health. Retrieved from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/relaxation-techniques-for-health
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