Why you should be taking micro-breaks

Research shows having more short breaks at work may lead to greater productive

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Management Today

We all know how important sleep is, but our lifestyle and work often get in the way. 

Researchers from North Carolina State University conducted two studies on the effect of tiredness at work; 98 people completed a survey twice a day, in the morning and at night, for 10 working days. Similarly, 222 workers in South Korea were asked to assess their fatigue levels and the resulting impact on their productivity at work over the course of five days.

The results showed that, on days when workers were most tired, they would take more frequent ‘micro-breaks’. Interestingly, the research suggested that after these micro-breaks, engagement and performance levels improved.

Micro-breaks typically last five minutes and could be as simple as making a cup of coffee or having a chat with a colleague (or, if you are working from home, perhaps a family member). The takeaway from this research may well be that managers and organisations should be more relaxed and even insist that all workers take frequent breaks.

Professor of psychology at North Carolina State Sophia Cho concluded that allowing workers to have the freedom to take micro-breaks is in an organisation’s best interests. More personal autonomy also shows employees you care, particularly in the world of business where employee wellbeing is as important as ever.

Whilst remote working has allowed many workers to catch up on lost sleep, it has also contributed to an ‘always on’ culture. A study by the Chartered Institute of Professional Development found that 77% of employers observed presenteeism and continued to work despite feeling unwell. Clearly something must be done. Could that change be more micro-breaks?