Although it can be seen as a benefit for the company if an employee decides to work through their break, it can be actually quite the opposite. This is because it may reduce an employee’s overall engagement throughout the day and even affect their morale within the workplace over time.
Breaks are important to all employees; even if yours are allowed to eat and drink at their desks, they should still be allowed time to walk around, stretch their legs and have time away from the glare of the computer monitor. Of course, there are other highly valuable reasons why you should ensure that every employee has a break.
#1 Re-energises workers
You will find that it re-energises your workforce and wakes them up for the next period of work. This can be vital to the productivity of your business, especially if your workers are performing mind-numbing, repetitive tasks. A day without breaks could see your workforce slowing down gradually over the course of a day. Whereas giving them a 15-minute break in the middle of the morning and again in the afternoon, either side of their lunch break could see the day broken into four highly productive segments.
#2 Refreshes their concentration
Ensuring that your employees take their breaks can also provide them with time to refresh their concentration levels. This could be due to the shift in focus or the ability to take on the right drinks and food to boost their brain power. Having a few minutes away from their workstation could mean that they come back to their work with fresh eyes, which can help immensely with problem solving or hand-eye coordination.
#3 Allows them to unwind
Not everyone makes it through the working day without getting frustrated or stressed. Letting your employees take a break from work at regular intervals can help them unwind and reduce these overwhelming feelings that can, if left, result in absenteeism or low morale in the workplace.
Of course, you will have to provide them with ample space to unwind, and you will find that there are people on your payroll who like to smoke or vape to help them relax. In order to do this effectively, you will have to provide them with adequate areas to do this. Having an area that can be used in all weather conditions with the correct levels of ventilation, but that is also comfortable and well-equipped for those with cigarettes or Vape Pods will help you get the most out of these valuable employees.
#4 Provides them with a chance to socialise with other workers
It is likely that you will have employees who are friends with other employees in different areas of your business. This is commonplace, and something that you want to encourage as those who feel comradeship with other employees and form friendships in the workplace are more likely to stay within that business and promote a high morale there. Ensuring that all your employees get a break provides these workers with the chance to build these important relationships, while also providing support to fellow workers who may need it.