How to get the most out of your work breaks

Even in the days when slaves built the pyramids it was recognised that everyone needs a break if they are to work at their best. The question is when should you take those breaks and what should you do when you take them? These are questions that have been answered in a new study.

The study involved surveying employees ranging in age from 22 to 67. For the study a break was defined as any period of time during the work day in which work-related tasks are not required or expected including but not limited to lunch, coffee time, sending personal emails, or socialising with co-workers. A toilet break was not regarded as a ‘break’. The workers documented each break they took across a five day work week.

The overall finding, though, was that people who take better breaks show both better health and increased job satisfaction.

The first finding was that the best time to take a break is mid-morning (assuming that you start work in the morning). The more hours that had elapsed since the beginning of the work shift and the break the more symptoms of poor health were reported after the break. Earlier breaks were found to replenish energy resources more and so later breaks are less effective.

It is commonly believed that non-work related activities during your break are more beneficial but these researchers found that in fact it is more important that you do things that you prefer to do. If those things are work-related then the break will still be more rejuvenating than if you do things that you don’t want to do.

The study also found that frequent short breaks are better than fewer long breaks in terms of maintaining energy levels.

The overall finding, though, was that people who take better breaks show both better health and increased job satisfaction. It appears that even not working requires some effort to do it well.