We live in a fast-paced world, and our work environments are no different. Not surprisingly, many individuals don’t take proper breaks during their average work day. Some even skip a lunch break entirely, or eat while working. The lack of breaks can increase depending on the industry, a company’s given policy, and if there is someone who is tasked with enforcing breaks.
Taking proper breaks are important… for everyone!
Breaks help with overcoming boredom and increasing concentration
Your brain is NOT a computer. You may be working on a task, and in the groove, but you’ll eventually lose it. The human brain wasn’t built for extended focus, but taking a break will help you to stay focused. Even a 15 to 20 minute break can help to sustain concentration and energy levels throughout the day.
Breaks can increase productivity!
There is a general belief among researchers that employees who take regular breaks are more productive. Allowing time for rejuvenation enables people to complete their tasks more accurately, which leads to fewer errors.
Breaks can lessen physical ailments that can affect an employee’s ability to do his/her job!
As previously discussed, sitting for long periods of time as you work can be unhealthy. One survey from the American Journal of Epidemiology* revealed that sitting for lengthy time frames (over six hours daily) can cause an individual to be 18% more likely to suffer from obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Staring at the computer screen for too long – and without a break – can also cause eyestrain. Any of these conditions can affect an employee in the long term and could create conditions where she or he can’t do certain tasks at all.
Breaks reduce stress!
Again, you’re not a machine, and your mind and body can only take so much. While perseverance is an admirable quality (and consistent productivity is often a required expectation), you don’t want to push yourself to the point of exhaustion. Regularly skipping your breaks can cause fatigue and stress to sneak up on you. This, in return, can result in a sudden loss of zeal, passion, or stamina for your work or duties. When necessary, take a quick break away from those stressful issues, and revisit them again once your mental state is improved.
Breaks are the law!
While federal law does not require employers to give their employee breaks, many states have laws in place. Consider, for example, the California employee law for meal breaks.
What better way to relax than to utilize the employee lounge and break room in your Barrister Suite? Some locations also have outdoor seating, like our Marina Beach Offices pictured below.
Each suite also has periodic tenant mixers and parties, such as last year’s Summer Kick-Off Celebration in Burbank! It’s a great way to kick back and relax, and to get to know your fellow Barrister tenants.
*The Importance of Employee Breaks at http://smallbusiness.chron.com/importance-employee-breaks-40680.html