Microbreaks of 10 minutes could help people work better, study finds

Taking “microbreaks” could help people work better and increase wellbeing, according to a study.

Researchers found pausing a task for just 10 minutes or less can help workers feel more vigorous and reduce fatigue.

Concerns are rising over workplace burnout - listed as an “occupational phenomenon” by the World Health Organisation in 2019 - as many employees face heavy workloads and long shifts.

An increasing number of studies explore various aspects of employee energy management and recovery, often focused on recovery after the workday is over.

However, the potential effects of recovery processes during the workday remain unclear.

A research team led by Patricia Albulescu at the West University of Timioara (WUT) in Romania analysed 22 studies and 19 manuscripts on “microbreaks” published over the last 30 years.

In the studies, participants took a break from various tasks, including work simulations, real work-related tasks, and non-work-related cognitive tests.

They spent their breaks in different ways, including doing physical exercise and watching videos.

The results of their break were then compared against other participants who had either not taken a break or had used their time away as they normally would.

Analysis by the team at WUT found there was no overall association between microbreaks and better performance on tasks.

However, they did find longer breaks tended to be linked to better performance, especially for creative or clerical tasks, but less so for more mentally demanding tasks.

The study suggested certain routine tasks performed with a high level of automaticity allow “the mind to wander, increasing the probability of making mistakes”.

It also said managers could support employees’ wellbeing by encouraging them to take microbreaks.

“Such leadership engagement is relevant, considering that many employees still might feel that taking breaks might be perceived as counterproductive behaviour,” the report said.

The authors suggested future research could investigate longer breaks and the best activity to do during a microbreak.

They added: “Our results revealed that micro-breaks are efficient in preserving high levels of vigour and alleviating fatigue.”

The findings have been published in the journal PLOS ONE.