Typically, employees maintain a positive attitude about breaks, and acknowledge their benefits. According to Lyubykh and Gulseren, this can be achieved in four ways:ġ. "As decision-makers and role models in organizations, managers are in an important position to encourage effective work breaks," the authors write. Many workers are not using their breaks efficiently - or taking them at all. While most employees (97%) report scrolling social media during their breaks, the authors note that this "can lead to emotional exhaustion." Instead, they suggest engaging in physical activity during breaks, noting that this is "an especially valuable recovery tool for mentally demanding work."Īccording to Lyubykh and Gulseren, "esearch shows that interactions with pets can substantially boost individuals' psychological wellbeing, which in turn is strongly linked to performance." 4 ways leaders can encourage breaks In the review, the authors found that taking breaks outside in green space is much more effective than simply taking a break at your desk.
Where you take breaks can make a significant difference in your ability to recharge and recover. "This is because fatigue worsens over the workday, and we need more break time in the afternoon to recharge," they note. Timing also matters - while shorter breaks are more effective in the morning, longer breaks are more effective later in the afternoon. "Disengaging from work only for a few minutes but on a regular basis (micro-breaks) can be sufficient for preventing exhaustion and boosting performance," Lyubykh and Gulseren write. When taking breaks, longer does not always equal better. In a systematic review of over 80 studies, the authors pinpointed "best practices for making the most of time away from our tasks, including where, when, and how." According to Lyubykh and Gulseren, workers should consider four things to make the most of their breaks: However, "not all breaks are equal in terms of their effects," the authors write. "This means that the more we work, the less productive and more exhausted we can become," they note.įortunately, regular breaks can help workers recharge. Workers attempting to finish tasks at low energy levels are prone to mistakes and lower-quality output, Lyubykh and Gulseren explain. In severe cases, nonstop work can result in a negative spiral. When workers have very little energy left in their tank, their well-being and work performance typically suffer. Duygu Biricik Gulseren is an assistant professor at the School of Human Resources Management at York University. Zhanna Lyubykh is an assistant professor of management and organizations studies at the Beedie School of Business at Simon Fraser University.
New york times breaking how to#
Writing for the Harvard Business Review, Zhanna Lyubykh and Duygu Biricik Gulseren explain how to take better breaks and offer four tips to help leaders encourage staff to take them - the right way.
Taking breaks improves well-being and performance, but very few workers are making the most of these moments.
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