We've all been in a situation where bosses or managers eye you for taking breaks during office hours. It'll usually result in you not taking breaks at all or when they are around. But the fact of the matter is, short breaks actually increase workplace productivity.
It helps increase productivity because a break gives you time to clear your head, rejuvenate and come back ready to take on the world (until your next break at least). It increases your focus and enables you to perform your tasks with higher accuracy and fewer errors. It's really a win-win situation for both parties.
Short breaks help you reduce your level of stress. Just imagine sitting down, slouched over your laptop for hours on end. That alone can cause the muscles in your back to tense up. Breaks give you the chance to think about something else, to get your mind off work for a bit and relax not only your mind but your body as well. A short stroll to your colleagues desk for a few minutes of downtime can boost your productivity tremendously while at the same time reduces your stress.
Related to that, sitting in one place or lack of movement affects blood circulation. This also causes health issues like heart disease, diabetes and obesity. Taking short breaks allows your blood circulation to improve, the strain of your eyes from staring at the screen all day to lessen and moving about reduces the chances of other health risks.
Breaks shouldn't be required by law to be encouraged. All employers should adopt this practise with the intention of keeping their employees well, happy, and healthy. The added benefit will be the increase in your employees productivity that results in better output for your company. Everyone wins.
It gives you time to clear your head and rejuvenate
Reduces your level of stress
Reduces health issues
