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“Taking a break can lead to a breakthrough.”
When people hear the word ‘break,’ they often think of the half-hour at midday. Taking a break can also be just a few minutes, but how can you motivate your employees to make it a quality break? Here are some tips for short, quality breaks at work.
The result? More productive, relaxed, engaged, and healthy employees!
10 ideas for a short, quality break at work
Non-work-related chats
Nothing is more relaxing than catching up with your best colleagues! The small talk while the coffee brews activates the part of the brain that strengthens the feeling of togetherness and benefits work afterwards.
As an employer/manager, set a good example here to encourage others to do the same.
Stretch!
Back pain, neck pain, and stiff muscles at the end of the workday? Then it’s high time for some body exercises. Even just standing up behind your desk and loosening your muscles works wonders and creates a relaxed feeling.
Meditation or breathing exercise
Meditation has many benefits for mental well-being at work. It sharpens concentration, boosting creativity! Have you heard of meditation but don’t know where to start? This handy YouTube video guides all beginners!
Enjoy homemade snacks
Everyone enjoys a snack, but the pleasure is even greater when they are homemade and shared with colleagues. This e-book can give you and your employees a helpful push!
Do a short yoga session
Yoga is an activity that many have said they want to try, but few have actually taken the step. A shame, because yoga also helps maintain inner calm, and the step to start is quick.
Healthy snacks are key!
A piece of fruit or maybe an energy bar? Make sure your employees choose a healthy snack and leave the sugar-filled cookies aside. These not only quickly cause hunger again but are also bad for the heart, blood vessels, and cholesterol.
Nutrition is the body’s fuel, naturally! Eating healthily is essential to keep energy levels up and avoid energy slumps.
Watch a relaxing video
Sometimes employees don’t need a quick chat or stretching exercises but want to take a moment for themselves. Relaxing videos, like the example below, help them forget the world for a moment and return refreshed to work!
Go outside!
Fresh air helps cleanse the body and enhances the effect of a short break. Employees who go outside during their break feel fitter and more productive than those who stay at their desks.
Encourage your employees to go outside so they can return to work recharged.
Play a fun song and boost the mood!
Play a song that employees can enjoy. The ‘guilty pleasures’ playlist on Spotify can help you let loose to old classics. Music puts employees in a better mood!
Which break moments will you implement on your work floor? Post your and your employees’ break moments on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn and don’t forget to mention us! (@justbiteeu)