For many of us, being productive means spending more time working. It seems intuitive that the more time we spend on job tasks, the more we can get done. And not surprisingly, the popular literature is rife with advice on how to maximize work time. For example, the “daily routines of CEOs” often include things like waking up at 4 am, working on the weekend, and even being “strategic about how often you go to the bathroom.” To tackle an ever-increasing workload, many workers choose to grind through, skip lunch, and stay after hours.
How to Take Better Breaks at Work, According to Research
A guide for employees and managers.
May 31, 2023
Art by Selman Hoşgör; malerapaso/Getty Images (hourglass); Iryna Veklich/Getty Images (clock); Westend61/Getty Images (woman on laptop); WeAre/Getty Images (woman doing yoga); Johannes Mann/Getty Images (workman); Anton Vierietin (man holding head)
Summary.
Taking periodic work breaks throughout the day can boost well-being and performance, but far too few of us take them regularly — or take the most effective types. A systematic review of more than 80 studies on break-taking outlines some best practices for making the most of time away from our tasks, including where, when, and how. It also offers tips for managers and organizations to encourage their employees to take more beneficial and more frequent breaks.