Most businesses today tend to work at a rapid pace. Employees are involved in a number of core activities and don’t have the time to take breaks during the day. Even when they do get the time, the breaks are short lived and employees don’t get to enjoy them at all. A survey conducted in August of 2011 by Right Management found that almost one-third of all employees are so consumed by their work that they have lunch at their desks without getting up for an official break. What’s more, almost 16 percent hardly ever take lunch breaks.
These are hazardous practices that can eventually drain the motivation and energy out of employees. Work breaks are important for multiple reasons, a few of which we will discuss in this article. So, stick with us as we read through the benefits and importance of employee work breaks.
Increased Productivity
Most small business owners and new managers believe that work breaks kill productivity; however, the reality is the complete opposite. Employees who take regular breaks are known to be mentally more active. The marginal return or output of an employee is significantly decreased when they have to work continuously through an 8 hour shift without a single break. However, when they do get the chance to do something other than work during their routine, they can witness a significant rise in productivity levels.
Reduced Stress
The mind can only take a given amount of stress at one time. Once the human brain is over polluted with stress or work tensions, it can lead to a loss of zeal related to job functions. Stressing at the workplace can also initiate a number of negative responses such as hopelessness and irritability. Employees can bow down to this irritability and lose focus from their work. Once employees do face stress, it is necessary that they take a short break and revisit the work only when their focus and mental state is intact again.
Lower Physical Ailments
Besides just the mental aspect of it, work breaks can also help reduce physical ailments. As per stats from the American Journal of Epidemiology, sitting in a stationary position for consistent durations of 6 hours or more every day can increase the chances of heart disease, diabetes and obesity by almost 20 percent. Short breaks can help reduce these risk factors and give employees a chance to maintain physical fitness and agility throughout the day.
We at JS Benefits Group have worked with numerous clients to develop more frequent employee breaks in the workplace. You can get in touch with JS Benefits Group immediately to discuss and devise a plan.
