In the modern workplace, getting caught up in the grind and forgetting to take a break can be easy. We want to do as much as possible to show some great results and it is easy to get caught in the burnout trap. Did you know that taking regular breaks can actually improve your team’s productivity? Yes, you deserved to have a break. Yes, no one will actually die when we say deadline. Your own health and well-being are important and when you put things into perspective, problems that seem like the end of the world will not matter at all after one month. Clients come and go. So, if you are thinking about taking a break, it is time.
There are plenty of studies that show the benefits of taking breaks, but sometimes it can be hard to encourage your team to do so. Maybe they don’t want to appear like they are slacking. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best ways to encourage your team to take a break and recharge.
From setting clear boundaries to providing ample opportunity for rest and relaxation, read on for some top tips.
Do breaks improve productivity?
It’s a common misconception that breaks interfere with productivity, when in fact, they can actually improve it. Studies have shown that taking brief breaks throughout the day can help to refresh and rejuvenate the mind, which can lead to more productive work sessions. This is especially important for your creativity.
So how can you encourage your team to take a break? One way is to make sure that you provide adequate break time during meetings and project deadlines. You can also create a relaxed atmosphere in the office by opening up common areas for socializing and relaxation. The comfier the better. Make sure that there are enough fresh snacks and beverages. Also, the precious caffeine. It turns anxiety into productivity so make sure that there is a selection of caffeinated drinks that give us a necessary boost. Since we all need caffeine desperately at times, it is a good solution to install a 4 in 1 boiling water tap and let your employees enjoy a warm cup of coffee in a matter of seconds.
Also, if you want your employees to be productive let them play as well. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy… we all know how that one went. So add a ping-pong table maybe and don’t use it for decoration only, let your employees use it. And Finally, be sure to set aside time for yourself – if you’re not taking breaks, your team won’t either!
What makes a break effective?
It’s no secret that breaks can be beneficial for both our physical and mental health. But what makes a break effective?
There are a few things to consider when determining how best to encourage your team to take a break. First, think about the type of break they need. Are they looking for a chance to move their body and get some fresh air? Or do they need a few minutes to relax and clear their head?
Once you know the type of break they need, you can then decide on the best time and place for them to take it. If they need a physical break, Encourage them to take a lap around the office or go for a quick walk outside. If they need a mental break, suggest taking a few minutes to themselves in an empty conference room or stepping away from their desk to take some deep breaths.
Finally, make sure you emphasize the importance of actually taking the break! Let them know that it’s okay (and even encouraged) to step away from work for a few minutes each day to recharge and refresh.
Do breaks prevent burnout?
Yes, breaks can help prevent burnout. Employees who take regular breaks are less likely to experience job burnout. The study found that workers who took a break every 90 minutes were more productive and had lower stress levels than those who did not take any breaks.
So, if you want to encourage your team to take a break, let them know that it can actually help them be more productive and less stressed. And, if you can, try to create an environment that makes taking breaks easy and enjoyable. For example, you could provide comfortable places for employees to take a break, such as couches or Bean Bag chairs. Or, you could offer activities that employees can do during their breaks, such as yoga or meditation classes.
