We’ve all heard the saying that “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” but how often do we actually heed this advice? The popular belief is that taking a break from work is lazy, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, taking breaks can be incredibly beneficial for both you and your team. Wanna know why taking a break isn’t lazy – it’s necessary – great, keep reading!
Boost Productivity & Efficiency
It may seem counterintuitive, but taking breaks can actually improve productivity in the workplace. A study conducted by Microsoft found that employees who took regular breaks were more productive than those who worked diligently without stopping. This isn’t surprising when you consider the fact that working nonstop can make us feel overwhelmed and exhausted, which leads to decreased focus and efficiency. Taking regular breaks allows us to step away from our tasks and come back with newfound energy and enthusiasm.
Enhance Creativity & Problem-Solving Skills
When we take a break, we give our minds time to relax and reset. This can be extremely helpful in creative fields where problem-solving skills are essential. Taking time away from the task at hand gives our brains time to process information at its own pace, often leading to innovative solutions or approaches that wouldn't have been discovered without some down time. Furthermore, activities such as walking or listening to music during breaks can help generate new ideas or inspire out of the box thinking.
Reduce Stress & Improve Morale
Burnout is real and it can have serious consequences on both your personal wellbeing and your team’s morale. According to Mayo Clinic, stress can lead to physical issues such as headaches, fatigue, chest pain and stomach problems. Being able to take regular breaks helps reduce stress levels by allowing us to step away from our tasks for a moment so that we don't become overwhelmed with all of our responsibilities at once. Moreover, encouraging employees to take short breaks throughout the day will keep them refreshed and energized while reinforcing their sense of autonomy over their workloads which helps boost morale in the long run!
All in all, taking regular breaks should not be seen as lazy – it's essential for employee productivity, creativity and morale! I strongly encourage managers to create an atmosphere where employees feel comfortable stepping away from their desks periodically throughout the day in order to reset their brains and come back feeling energized and inspired. In fact I recommend managers actually role model the behaviour they want from their team members. After all, if you want your team members firing on all cylinders then giving them permission (and encouragement!) to take occasional breaks is an absolute must!
If you feel like you need extra support in making these changes, don't hesitate to reach out. Book in a time to chat with Hana or follow her on: Facebook Instagram or LinkedIn
