While most employees report spending more time at work than in the past, fewer are taking the breaks they need to reenergize themselves to make them more productive, according to a May 7 report released by office supply giant Staples.
The survey found that 55% of employees don’t think they are able to take regular rest periods. One of the main reasons employees aren’t taking these necessary timeouts: guilt. One-in-five employees said they feel they need to take more breaks but aren’t because doing so gives them a guilty conscience. However, 86% of respondents acknowledge that rest periods would make them more productive.
“It’s important that employees understand the value of taking a quality break,” said Tom Heisroth, senior-vice president, commercial and enterprise sales, Staples Advantage. “Disconnecting can increase their happiness, health and productivity.”
On the other side of the coin, 90% of employers reported that they encourage their staff to take breaks.
The survey found that in order to encourage staff to take the time they need to recharge, companies should provide well-stocked and comfortable breakrooms. Providing healthy snacks and even allowing for a place to lie down would help, said respondents. Overall, employers should do more to promote a “break-encouraging workplace culture.”
