Some employers might assume that employees working through breaks is a sign of higher output, but it can actually be detrimental to company productivity. Workplace productivity examines how efficiently employees perform their tasks. In industrial and post-industrial societies, management often measured productivity by counting the number of parts assembled, pounds of produce picked, etc. In knowledge-based societies, however, productivity isn't always so tangible. It can be hard to gauge productivity when it exists intellectually. However, the benefit of higher productivity will still be reflected in the amount of quality work completed within a business and often indicates good morale among employees. Fatigue threatens productivity by undermining creativity and problem-solving. It can also lead to slower decision-making and low motivation. Fatigue is also dangerous in some industries as it slows response times, reduces awareness, and makes it difficult for people to assess risk accurately. When we're tired, the neurotransmitters in our brains are limited, impacting memory and learning. When employees regularly work through breaks, it can indicate poor working practices and management, so there's more at stake than just a drop in performance. Staff may feel forced to leave the business or take extended leave due to sickness or burnout. High staff turnover is costly and hugely inconvenient to a company. It can look unprofessional to clients and customers, who may also be unhappy with inconsistencies, mistakes or missed deadlines. If management regularly skips breaks, employees may feel judged unfairly for stepping away, even for short periods. Productivity can be a complex subject, so we're focusing on the impact of regular breaks on office productivity. A break is a 'pause in work or during an activity'. UK workers are entitled to an uninterrupted rest break of 20 minutes or more when they work longer than 6 hours. Breaks can fulfil different purposes. There are lunch, smoking, toilet, social media, coffee, and team breaks. There are also micro-breaks, which can mean getting fresh air for a few minutes, standing up to stretch or walking around the office. From an employee perspective, it's easy to see why breaks are important, but they can be good for performance, too. So, should employees be encouraged to take regular breaks if the evidence suggests it boosts productivity? What Impact Do Regular Breaks Have on Productivity? North Carolina State University published a report in 2021 which described how 'breaks can redirect blood flow from overworked parts of the brain and refresh cognitive functioning'. A deliberate break instigated by the employee is helpful, but breaks caused by poor office etiquette, loud noises, interruptions, and distractions often harm productivity. This can be an issue in open-plan offices where someone can appear available even when they're focused on a task. Tork also released a study with some interesting results. It found employees who regularly skipped breaks experienced higher stress levels and were more likely to burnout. The study also found that 'stepping away from work for a few minutes increases their productivity, job satisfaction, mental health and wellbeing, and are overall more engaged in their work'. Taking breaks also prevented decision fatigue, increased creativity, promoted healthy habits and improved employee morale. Tork singles out movement breaks as especially beneficial for 'emotional and physical health', and we agree. Exercise can help employees work more effectively and with more energy. We launched the ECO:POD in 2024 for the corporate market. It's a modular space for our electricity-generating indoor bikes with a yoga and hot-desking area so employees can access immersive workouts, generate clean energy and charge devices in one space. The Tork study also found that taking a break before fatigue kicks in helps retain memories. Bupa argues that UK companies lose 'close to £50 million a day in lost productivity' when employees skip their lunch break. Failing to take an adequate break from work makes people more likely to reach for unhealthy snacks or caffeinated products, which are not long-term solutions to fatigue or hunger. Tork reported that 22% of people felt judged when they took a break in the middle of the day. 39% took breaks occasionally, rarely, or not at all. Yet, 94% of those who did take a break reported feeling refreshed afterwards, admitting it gave them a new perspective. Nine in ten employees were likelier to stay at their job if managers encouraged them to take a break. Fatigue isn't just something that happens when we're physically at work, either. Sabine Sonnetag uses the term' psychological detachment' when we let our brains and bodies relax from work. She argues that taking these breaks during the day means you're less likely to carry them home. This can be challenging for some people, especially in the age of productivity software. We Work Remotely highlights several studies that show the impact of decision fatigue on employees. Jobs that require someone to make a lot of decisions can quickly become exhausting, especially as the day goes on. One study even found that judges who skipped breaks were less likely to give prisoners parole later in the day. Breaks don't have to be very long, either. A 2017 study by Kim, Park, and Neu (documented on the Wellbeing Thesis website) highlights that minibreaks also help support "wellbeing and increase productivity." It classifies a minibreak as a few minutes away from work, such as having a short conversation with a colleague or getting up to make tea or coffee. Interestingly, Biosphere writes that the type of break an employee takes can also make a difference. 'Not all breaks are created equal',' it writes. Social media breaks or internet browsing can feel satisfying in the short term but often aren't helpful as a restful break. It's better to get away from screens and workloads and get fresh air or take a short walk. One study found that short breaks can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. This is important in high-pressure environments, where stress can contribute to errors, reduce creative thinking, and lead to burnout. Breaks are critical in helping employees maintain healthy relationships with their workload and colleagues. Improving productivity isn't about forcing employees to work harder but helping everyone work more efficiently without affecting their physical or mental health. Office design is about more than just how furniture fits together in a workplace. It can also be a tool for improving productivity and wellbeing. It can even enhance brand messaging. Enhance your office space with the ECO:POD, a modular exercise and relaxation area where employees can generate clean electricity, store it and then use it to power electronic devices.