Breaks Can Boost Productivity
If you read blogs, LinkedIn posts, and other literature about productivity, you likely see a lot of information on maximizing your output. From getting to the gym at 4 or 5 am to start the day to your favorite time to work on the weekend. What you don’t see a lot of information on is taking breaks and how breaks can boost productivity.
By now, everyone knows what it means to be “always on.” The ease of accessibility of smartphones was exacerbated by the pandemic when almost everyone worked from home. But the repercussions of always being available have led to more burnout, nearly 60% of employees, according to an Aflac survey. This should not be surprising since we only have a limited amount of energy each day. If we continue to try to burn the candle from both ends, we will feel tired and stressed and not be thinking clearly.
Breaks are a necessary part of the workday and, more importantly, crucial to overall well-being. The idea of pushing yourself to work long hours can have an adverse effect. A Stanford study showed that working more than 55 hours a week hurts productivity. The more you work beyond 55 hours, the more mistakes you make which creates a vicious cycle that harms your well-being.
To better understand the impact of breaks on productivity, a recent article in Harvard Business Review looked at existing research and found that breaks can enable you to recharge and keep your productivity high. However, the article mentions that not all breaks are the same. A break could refer to walking, socializing with coworkers, meditating, exercising, or browsing the internet on your phone. Here are some recommendations to make sure your breaks keep your productivity level high.
Break Length and Timing
Bigger is not always better. Taking a more extended break could be counter-productive. Micro-breaks, short breaks taken on a routine basis, can help keep you focused when you return to work. The length of a break is also impacted by the time of day. Since you are fatiguing throughout the day, you may require a more extended break in the afternoon, while shorter breaks can be effective in the morning.
Location of Breaks
Sitting at your desk during a break may not be your best alternative. At a minimum, get up and walk around to change your scenery and get your body moving. One of the best options is to go outside and take in nature. If you have access to green space, take advantage of it, even for a few minutes. Getting out in the sun and breathing the fresh air can do wonders for your mental state.
Break Activity
Sitting and looking at your phone is quite different from taking a quick walk. However, the most popular break activity is looking at social media, with 97% of people saying that is how they spend some of their breaks. Unfortunately, social media can compound emotional exhaustion and leave you less productive than before the break. Instead, get moving. Any exercise is going to help you recharge your brain for more work.
Furry Break Companions
Dogs are shown to lower cortisol levels if you work from home or an office that allows you to bring your pets. The studies they reviewed show that pet interactions can increase people’s psychological well-being.
To learn more about what you can do at your organization to create better breaks, visit the article at hbr.org. And if you have questions about building a culture that supports employee wellness, send us a note.