A synthesis of 22 previous studies indicates that taking brief pauses—stepping away from a task for durations of 10 minutes or fewer—is typically linked with a decrease in tiredness and an increase in energy. Patricia Albulescu from the West University of Timișoara, Romania, and her team unveiled these insights in the open-access journal PLOS ONE on August 31, 2022.
The issue of burdensome workloads and extended shifts that many workers are currently facing is becoming more prominent. An increasing volume of research is delving into various facets of how employees manage and recuperate their energy, with a significant emphasis on recovery following the conclusion of the workday. Yet, the impacts of recuperative processes during the workday are still ambiguous.
Albulescu and her team undertook a meta-analysis of 22 studies from 19 published papers over the past three decades to enhance understanding in this area. These studies investigated the possible advantages of brief interruptions from assigned tasks. The tasks within these studies varied, encompassing simulated work activities, actual work-related tasks, and cognitive tests unrelated to work. The nature of the breaks also differed, ranging from physical pauses to relaxing pursuits and even to more stimulating activities like watching videos.
The statistical examination of the results from these combined studies demonstrated a consistent link between short breaks and heightened energy and diminished fatigue among participants, suggesting that such breaks could enhance wellbeing.
No direct correlation was discovered between taking short breaks and improved task performance. However, a more detailed data analysis revealed that longer pauses correlate with improved performance, particularly in creative or administrative tasks, albeit to a lesser extent with tasks that demand higher cognitive effort.
These findings advocate for incorporating short breaks as a viable method for promoting well-being in the workplace. Nevertheless, longer breaks might be necessary for recuperating from tasks that are more mentally taxing. Future investigations could explore the benefits of extended breaks and seek to answer other outstanding queries, such as identifying the most beneficial activities to undertake during a brief hiatus.
The researchers concluded: “Our findings indicate that short breaks are effective in maintaining high energy levels and reducing fatigue.”
More information: Patricia Albulescu et al, “Give me a break!” A systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy of micro-breaks for increasing well-being and performance, PLoS ONE. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272460
Journal information: PLoS ONE Provided by PLOS