People’s ability to work more effectively, avoid burnout, and foster a sense of belonging by taking frequent breaks during the workday has been demonstrated in studies. However, despite the need for frequent breaks in the workplace, many companies do not encourage their employees to take them. This does not just apply to those who are taking a break for lunch. A small amount may go a long way. Taking a break is a dying art form. Taking better breaks can lead to better physical and emotional health, therefore this is a shame. When we take a break, we are able to stay alert and focused, as well as enhance our creativity and memory.

Because the human brain’s ability to maintain sustained concentration on a single job diminishes with time, our performance suffers, as do our output and efficiency. There is no need for extensive breaks during the working. These little pauses might last anything from a few seconds to a few minutes.

Even if you just have a few minutes to spare, it may make a big difference in how you feel and how well you perform at work. Taking a break, for example, might assist people in gaining perspective and resolving issues. It’s fairly uncommon for someone to become bogged down in the details of a basic situation and not be able to see things objectively or strategically.

When people are constantly sitting down, their physical health is negatively affected. Taking regular breaks stimulates movement and walking around, which in turn improves their physical health.

So, how can businesses assist their employees in taking more rest breaks?

Workplaces may assist their employees to take better breaks by using the following three tactics.

 

1. Establish technology-free or Mindfulness zones across the office.

There are several approaches to this.

Certain firms have established meditation rooms, silent places, frustration zones, technology-free zones, and break out rooms to offer employees a comfortable atmosphere in which to take a break.

 

Certain groups even invite a local masseuse or yoga practitioner to provide brief 15-minute massages or to lead a 30-minute yoga or meditation lesson. By establishing these sorts of locations inside the workplace, employers may communicate to workers that it is OK to take a break from their current activities in order to relax and de-stress.

 

To encourage individuals to utilise these zones or rooms, make them conveniently accessible and equipped with the necessary resources (i.e. provide mats in meditation rooms to encourage workers to meditate or do yoga, furnish break out areas with comfortable furniture like sofas and plush chairs, soundproof quiet areas, etc.).

 

 

 

2. Inspire individuals to get outside

 

Occasionally, simply inhaling fresh air might assist us in clearing our minds and relieving anxiety. One method companies may encourage people to venture outside is to incorporate seating places into their outdoor spaces, whether they are a terrace, garden, balcony, or café.

Organizations may encourage employees to take breaks by offering access to outdoor locations where they can unwind and rest.

Bear in mind that it does not need to be elaborate. A chair, a seat, or even just a great shade tree would suffice.

Whether your company lacks outside space, examine if there is a park within walking distance for your staff. To encourage people to walk, you may post a map of the walking path to the park, propose nearby cafés, or even ask staff to conduct walking meetings.

 

 

 

3. The Pantry should be loaded with nutritious meals.

 

What we eat has a significant impact on our mood and energy levels throughout the day. Healthy and nutritious meals, drinks, and snacks should be readily available in the workplace kitchen to encourage workers to consume a more balanced diet, as well as to help prevent the frequent afternoon slump.
Cooking also has the ability to unite individuals. Additionally, businesses should think about giving free refreshments at particular periods of the day.

 

For instance, a coworking space may supply fruits, nuts, smoothies, and other snacks every week between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Coworkers can be reminded by email or a private intranet site, or the announcement can be made in person.

As a result, it will encourage everyone to take a little break and increase the chances of accidental contact.

This may also be done by providing weekly meals or breakfasts for your employees. Employees might assemble in the kitchen to construct their own lunch at a salad bar or a yoghurt or smoothie bar set up by the company.

The goal is to encourage workers to take a break from their workstations, even if it is just for a few minutes. And, let’s face it, who doesn’t enjoy getting something for anything?

 

 

Build Processes for Mindful breaks 

Encouraging workers to take breaks improves individual wellbeing while increasing productivity and engagement.

Finally, set an example. Assure that C-suite executives and managers take frequent breaks as well; if they see others taking breaks, they will feel more comfortable and less bad taking their own.

 

 

We have designed a  Notion Template to take mindful breaks. You can download it here