The Cost of Skipping Breaks at Work

Most of us recognise the importance of taking time to recharge, but in many workplaces, taking time out isn't always part of the daily routine. And that's a problem. Research shows that breaks play an important role in our well-being, how well we work and our relationships with colleagues.

“We can’t run on empty batteries,” says researcher and author Lina Ejlertsson.

In some workplaces, breaks are still seen as an interruption to the working day rather than something that helps people work better. But working through the day without a proper break isn't sustainable in the long run.

two office employees taking a break in a break room

In the past, recovery was largely seen as something that happened outside working hours - what we did in our free time to recharge after a busy day. But we now know that recovery needs to happen throughout the day, both at work and at home.

“You can't give 100% all day and expect everything to be put right once you get home,” says Lina Ejlertsson, PhD in Public Health. Lina has researched recovery in everyday working life at Lund University and is the author of Energireceptet.

She describes recovery as restoring the energy and resources we use throughout the day. For this to happen, workplaces need to make time and space for people to recharge. Breaks shouldn't be something we fit in only when everything else is done. They're an essential part of a healthy and productive working day.

"I often use the analogy of batteries that need recharging. We can't work on empty batteries. Taking time to recover helps us feel better, be happier and have more energy. It also allows us to concentrate better and work more efficiently."

a two parts picture, one side showing employees taking a break in the canteen and the other one showing a person in the break room

Workplaces need to make breaks possible

So, what can employers do to support recovery at work? Lina Ejlertsson recommends providing a variety of spaces to suit different needs. This could include areas for socialising, comfortable seating for a short break, and quieter, more private spaces where employees can relax without distractions. Natural light, greenery and other elements of nature can also help create a more relaxing environment.

"We can clearly see that different people need different things. Someone who works in a customer-facing role, spends the day in meetings or is constantly surrounded by people might not find the noisy lunchroom the best place to recharge. In these cases, there need to be other options available."

At AJ Products, we supply furniture and equipment for a wide range of workplace environments. Our range includes everything needed to create comfortable break spaces, from welcoming lounge areas for a quick break between meetings to quieter spaces where employees can relax and enjoy some privacy.

Elisabet Nilsson, Product Manager at AJ Products.

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of taking breaks during the working day. A well-designed workplace should offer a mix of social spaces and quieter areas, giving employees the freedom to take a break in a way that suits them.

"We want to help create workplace environments that support recovery and cater to different needs," says Elisabet Nilsson, Product Manager at AJ Products.

See our complete lounge range

Workplace culture plays a key role in taking breaks

However, providing the right spaces isn't enough to ensure employees actually take breaks. Workplace policies and expectations also play an important role. Employees need manageable workloads and time set aside for breaks, as well as a workplace culture where taking time out is encouraged and accepted.

"In some workplaces, there's still an attitude that taking a break means you're not working hard enough," says Lina Ejlertsson.

"A crucial point is that simply telling employees to take a break isn't enough. You need to look at the workplace culture and ask: how do we view taking breaks? If a manager never takes a break themselves, they send mixed signals", says Lina Ejlertsson.

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When employees have the opportunity to take breaks during the working day, the benefits extend beyond the individual. They can also have a positive impact on how the whole team works together.

"At team level, we can see clear differences in the working environment. It can become more open and supportive when taking breaks and making time for recovery are encouraged."

two people having a relaxed chat in a break room

Micro-breaks everyone can start today

Short breaks throughout the working day can make more of a difference than you might think. According to Lina Ejlertsson, micro-breaks can help us recharge and reduce the physical and mental strain that builds up during the day. The important thing isn't how long the break lasts, but making time to take one.

Take a few moments to look out of the window.
Stand up and have a stretch
Step away from your desk or usual workspace for a moment.
Take a few deep breaths
Have a chat with a colleague about something other than work

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