How often do we find ourselves discovering the solution to a lengthy problem as soon as we return from a break? This is exactly the power of strategic breaks that leads to improved productivity and better response time.
A brief time out from work with the intention of tackling the problem as soon as you return provides your mind with an opportunity to start afresh. Here is a brief analysis of recent research and reports that indicate the importance of taking out time for frequent breaks.
Breaks are Good for Physical and Emotional Health
Constantly sitting and looking at the computer screen at an awkward angle can result in heart diseases, diabetes, depression, and obesity. At the slightest opportunity you should take time out to take a walk or stretch or carry out whatever activity you feel reduces the negative effects of too much sitting. A 5-minute walk every hour can improve your health and well-being.
Prevents Decision Fatigue
Breaks prevent the fatigue that comes by constantly putting your mind to work for taking decisions that end up bearing down on your willpower and the ability to reason.
Decision fatigue is often overlooked when analyzing the factors that lead to low productivity. Fatigue that comes from making high-pressure decisions every day can lead to procrastination and inefficiency in an office environment.
Restore Motivation
When you see the attention of your employees dwindling, it is high time to take a break to restore motivation. According to scientists, sustained attention can affect the ability of the prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex makes every effort to provide the user with sustained attention.
Taking time off work enables the user to join back with renewed strength and motivation. Brief mental and physical breaks help the employee to gain back full concentration.
According to another study, taking frequent breaks also improves the level of creativity as the worker engages with other employees in the workplace.
This engagement and interaction with the colleagues correlates with productivity and efficiency at the workplace.
It Keeps the Employees Fit
Who does not like to trim the waistline and look leaner and fitter? According to the Center of Disease Control, it is imperative for all employees to get up and move around for five minutes in an hour. The exercise can lower the mass index of your body considerably while helping you shape your waistline.
Although it is not as rigorous as an intense workout session, it does still help warm the body as every bit of physical movement is productive.
Job Related Accidents
Another consequence of exhaustion and fatigue that is often ignored is accidents. Exhaustion and fatigue can cause the employee to lose focus, which can result in costly accidents that often escalate beyond repair.
Developing a systematic program of work breaks will work in favor of your employees. In addition to providing you with benefits of productivity and efficiency the break routine will serve the employees well.
