Work is a common cycle in our society and one in which we are always constantly being told that we must increase productivity and be better. Therefore, we need to go ahead and make it mandatory; as this is the only way we can properly care for and maintain our employment. However, it is no secret to anyone that this can become tiring and tedious, even triggering unproductivity by feeling burned out. So, what happens if we add a little rest to the workday? The result will surely be an increase in productivity. It is important, therefore, to explore a little the concept of work rest, its benefits and some practical tips to consider this action within the daily life…

Rest: An elementary but neglected aspect of leading a balanced life

When it comes to being able to function optimally in important areas of our lives, it’s all about balance. Psychological models suggest that there must be perfect harmony between work, sport, sleep and work rest in order to do any of these well. For many people, work and sport take up most of the active hours, sleep is easily compromised and work rest is forgotten. In fact, many people confuse the concepts of rest and sleep. However, sleep is not only a physiological need, but also a time when our brain is still quite active. Rest, as such, is intended to be a respite from the physical, mental and emotional demands of life. The goal with rest, then, is to achieve a complete state of relaxation and disconnection.

The process of rest…

Rest is not necessarily something that is achieved simply because you decide to do it, but it is a process in which we have to be intentional. Work rest usually occurs while awake and primarily involves the ability to psychologically detach from aspects of work momentarily. It is in that instant when we know that work rest matters for productivity. Many of us socialize with people we work with, and the conversation during break times inevitably returns to work-related topics and makes it difficult to truly relax.

In order to achieve a truly valuable work break process, we need to psychologically detach from those tasks and, thus, truly rest. Otherwise, our minds and bodies never disconnect from work mode and we can experience continual exhaustion.

Rest at work:

Work breaks are essential to avoid burnout and burnout syndrome. So, knowing that it’s important and how it affects psychologically, as expressed in the previous two segments; here’s what your company should know about when employees can (and should) take breaks:

• Studies show that employee work breaks can lead to higher productivity and less burnout. The break between work hours, for the employee, can be seen as an incentive and recognition of their efforts. That is why, statistics say that a benefits program motivates 60% of employees to stay at their jobs.
• To encourage employees to take work breaks, provide healthy snacks, allow your team to unplug, and prioritize a comfortable and positive company culture.

“If someone wants to practice meditation on a daily basis, they shouldn’t think about doing it, but sit down to execute it, and then think about what they did, what went well, and what they would need to be able to continue practicing.”

Jose L. Melendez. CEO of ChVmpion Mind

Remember.

Although you don’t have to pay for employee meal breaks, regular short breaks during a workday count toward an employee’s paid hours worked.

Want to increase your company’s productivity? Then you should encourage your employees to get away from their desks from time to time. Research, including the most recent, has found a positive correlation between the ability to take short work breaks and employee productivity rates. Do you want your work teams to be more productive? Would you like them to not only perform well at work, but also enjoy personal well-being? Then you need ChVmpion Mind.

ChVmpion Mind is a digital platform where technology, science and agile coaching converge. It is a tool that allows business owners to improve the personal well-being of their employees and, therefore, their work performance. A 21-week program where participants will be able to gradually reach achievements day after day. From professional and, of course, personal objectives, to executing a total change in life habits.

The best of all? You can do it without a coach. That’s right, it’s coaching without a coach. This and much more is ChVmpion Mind.

How to encourage employees to take time off from work?

To help employers encourage work breaks as a necessary process to optimize their productivity and, as a whole, improve a company’s bottom line. Several strategies are recommended, including:

• Offer healthy snacks and beverages: Employees want snacks, and most prefer healthy options, such as nuts and granola bars, rather than chips, cookies or candy. As an added benefit, healthy diets can improve productivity. The work break is not just lying down, sleeping or sitting idle, it is a process of total work disconnection in which employees can use a few minutes of the workday to chat; while indulging in some snacks that will additionally provide them with energy.
• Think comfort: Furniture is an important consideration for the overall comfort and attractiveness of the break room. Employers should provide furniture that allows employees to relax with their snacks and beverages and socialize with colleagues. Workplace relaxation should be encouraged from the organization itself, as they will be the main beneficiaries of a good breakout session by the work team.

Also…

• Disconnecting is key: Employees need to mentally disconnect from work to restore needed energy and work productively. Thinking about work does not relieve stress and employees will not fully recharge or maximize the usefulness of a break if they do not disconnect from their activities. Therefore, if you are going to encourage work breaks you must find a way to divert your employees’ attention away from work for a few minutes. A fairly effective idea would be a small break room with plants, a light playback of music with comfortable chairs where employees can relax and chat for a few minutes.
• Maintain a work culture that encourages breaks: This helps reduce employee guilt about taking necessary breaks and makes breaks more effective. Ultimately, it will improve workers’ well-being and productivity. So, work breaks should be part of the organization’s culture, employees should feel comfortable during their breaks and they should feel free to take them. Only in this way, they will be able to balance their mood to increase their daily productivity.
• Encourage positive energy: Employees should do something during breaks to generate positive feelings. Since, these emotions are energizing and can enhance creativity and increase productivity.