FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--More than a quarter of workers don’t take a break other than lunch, according to a recent survey of office workers and managers released today by Staples, and one in five employee respondents cite guilt as the reason they don’t step away from their workspaces. The survey shows that 66 percent of employees spend more than eight hours a day at work, so taking a break is more important than ever.
“An alarming trend that’s plaguing workers is job-related stress, which costs companies hundreds of billions of dollars each year,” says John Trougakos, Associate Professor of Management at the University of Toronto. “However, these costs can be reduced with regular work breaks, while improving employee effectiveness, satisfaction, and reducing strain and fatigue. Disconnecting from work can do wonders for people’s energy and mindset.”
The survey shows that both employers and employees acknowledge the importance of breaks. In fact, 90 percent of employers say they encourage breaks, and an overwhelming majority of workers (86 percent) acknowledge that taking a break would make them more productive.
The survey also found that 41 percent of employees feel burned out from working longer days, and 55 percent don’t feel they can leave their desk to take a break. However, the survey revealed that breaks can help, with respondents indicating regular breaks would improve work and personal happiness (59 percent and 43 percent respectively) and health (37 percent).
“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. This survey indicates employers are encouraging employees to take a break, but they need to back that up by providing a well-stocked breakroom that encourages employees to step away and not feel tied to their work. Staples offers everything from beverages, snacks and furniture to provide a comfortable atmosphere for employees to take a break and for offices to create an inviting breakroom.”
So what can companies do to foster a break-friendly environment? The key may lie in breakrooms, as 58 percent of respondents said a well-stocked/comfortable breakroom would encourage breaks, and 76 percent said such breakrooms would allow them to unwind and relieve stress.
To help employers encourage breaks, Staples recommends the following:
- Provide healthy snacks and beverages: Employees want snacks, with respondents overwhelmingly looking for healthy snack options, such as nuts and granola bars (57 percent), compared to chips, cookies or candy (10 percent).
- Think about comfort: Furniture is an important consideration for the overall comfort and appeal of the breakroom. But 50 percent of respondents don’t have a properly furnished breakroom to allow for relaxation. Employers can provide furniture that allows employees to unwind with their snacks and beverages and socialize with colleagues.
- Disconnect when taking a break: Twenty-five percent of respondents don’t disconnect from work-related technology when taking regular breaks. Professor Trougakos says employees need to detach mentally from work to restore the energy it takes to work productively. Thinking about work doesn’t relieve stress and employees won’t fully recharge or maximize the usefulness of a break.
Professor Trougakos offers these additional suggestions for companies and employees to keep in mind regarding work breaks:
- Maintain a break-encouraging workplace culture: This helps reduce employee guilt from taking necessary breaks and makes breaks more effective. Ultimately, this will improve worker well-being and productivity.
- The power of positivity: Employees should do something during breaks to generate positive feelings, since these emotions are energizing, improve creativity, and can increase productivity.
Resources:
- Infographic: http://www.staples.com/sbd/cre/tech-services/explore-tips-and-advice/infographs/breakroom-2014-infographic.html
- Slideshare: http://www.slideshare.net/StaplesAdvantage/fun-facts-about-taking-a-break-from-staples
- Breakroom Solutions: https://www.staplesadvantage.com/what-we-offer/breakroom/why-breakroom-solutions.page
About the Survey
Staples conducted an online survey of more than 200 office workers at organizations of all sizes across the U.S. and Canada. The survey, conducted in March 2014, asked a series of questions about people’s work habits, taking breaks and office breakrooms.
About Staples
Staples makes it easy to make more happen with more products and more ways to shop. Through its world-class retail, online and delivery capabilities, Staples lets customers shop however and whenever they want, whether it’s in-store, online or on mobile devices. Staples offers more products than ever, such as technology, facilities and breakroom supplies, furniture, safety supplies, medical supplies, and Copy and Print services. Staples also offers free shipping for Staples Rewards Members, in most cases overnight. Headquartered outside of Boston, Staples operates throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. More information about Staples (SPLS) is available at www.staples.com.
About Staples Advantage
Staples Advantage, the business-to-business division of Staples, Inc. (Nasdaq: SPLS), serves organizations of 20 or more employees up to the Fortune 1000, helping them make more happen with more products, greater cost savings and improved ordering efficiencies. Staples Advantage provides its customers, including global businesses, local, state and federal government, healthcare organizations and educational institutions, with a one source solution featuring comprehensive products and services like office supplies, technology, printing, promotional products, furniture and facility supplies, along with a customized level of account support and best-in-class customer service. More information is available at www.staplesadvantage.com.
