Taking breaks at work can boost productivity, study finds

A new study finds that Canadians who work without breaks may be hurting their job performance and health.

Researchers at the University of Waterloo surveyed 10 employees and 287 workers twice daily over five days about their rationales for taking breaks or not taking them during workdays.

The results: The study found that heavy workloads that discourage employees from taking breaks could lead to burnout, fatigue, and dissatisfaction at work.

• Discouraging breaks due to heavy workloads can disrupt general performance, leading to increased stress and fatigue — which ultimately hinders productivity.
• Although research indicates that breaks have a positive impact on employee performance and well-being, supervision is a significant factor. Workers are less likely to take breaks if they perceive that their supervisors discourage breaks in the workplace.
• Work limitations may prevent employees from taking beneficial breaks, but promoting employee well-being by addressing unpleasant work conditions can reduce the number of necessary breaks.

Yes, but: Vincent Phan, one of the study’s authors, recognizes that various work environments have different demands, and certain work limitations may prevent employees from taking beneficial breaks.

• However, the researchers with the University of Waterloo hope their findings will help promote employee well-being and change the demanding hustle that leads to burnout, fatigue, and dissatisfaction at work.

Room for improvement: There are a variety of things that employees and managers can do to make more effective use of breaks at work.

• Schedule breaks into your day: Rather than waiting for a lull in your work to take a break, schedule in regular breaks throughout your day.
• Take your breaks away from your desk: Taking a break away from your desk can help you physically and mentally disconnect from work, reducing stress and helping you recharge.
• Encourage a culture of taking breaks: As a manager, make it clear that you encourage your employees to take breaks throughout the day. This can be done through regular reminders or implementing policies that encourage regular breaks.

Rules for breaks in Canadian workplaces

Canada’s provinces and territories have rules that address the rights that employees have when taking breaks at work.

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP has created resources that identify break times in Ontario workplaces, break time rights for Alberta employees, and break time rights in B.C. workplaces.