2023-05-12 17:01:48
The endless race for productivity and performancethe hierarchical pressure and thework overload push too many people to forget themselves physically and mentally: employees and auto-entrepreneurs sometimes force themselves to stay behind their workstations for hours, despite their fatigue, their stress, even postural pain. And telecommuting doesn’t help, given that it is often synonymous with hyper-connection and blurring between private and professional life. The solution to reconnect with well-being and increase productivity seems simple: take regular short breaks. A few minutes are enough to recharge your batteries to gain concentration, motivation and productivity. Insights from Philippe Zawieja, psychosociologist, consultant, author and researcher associated with the Universities of Paris, Montreal, Minho and Florence.
What is the purpose of the break at work?
Whatever the fields of activity and positions, breaks at work can only be beneficial. In particular, they allow to fight stress, ofreduce fatigue, improve productivity, to create social tiesbut also stretch your muscles, oxygenate your brain and promote blood circulationespecially when you spend the majority of your days sitting or standing still.
Release mental and physical pressure
“Our brain has short-term ability to focus and pay attention, recalls Philippe Zawieja. Taking a break from work can therefore be interesting from a cognitive point of view”. This promotes recovery to return to work more effectively followingwards and – in the long term – to limit the emergence of psychosocial risks such as stress and the burnout syndrome which can lead to great psychological distress, or even burnout.
On a physical level, breaks also make it possible to relieve muscle tension to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and avoid sensory overload related to too much screen time or hearing fatigue. “Historically, the break at work was only useful from a mechanical point of view: it was to allow the body to regain strength, in a logic of optimization of the ‘human motor'”, specifies the psychosociologist. Today it allows stretch your legs but also of to clear the mind.
Strengthen the social bond
In business, breaks are essential to create and maintain social ties, especially in the current circumstances. “The multiple confinements and the democratization of telework have rarefied and distorted the social bond, underlines Philippe Zawieja. We thought that virtual breaks or phone calls would compensate for physical meetings, but in reality the screens sometimes rob us of spontaneity and many aspects of non-verbal communication, such as smells, noises and bodily signs of acquiescence, annoyance, etc. So much information that allowed us to assess the state of our relationship with our colleagues. The physical breaks therefore make it possible to exchange comforting words and smiles.
Foster a corporate spirit in the company
In companies, breaks also promote the emergence of an esprit de corps. ” Many informal information – at least as important as formal information – circulates during breaks. They make it possible to unite and not be dependent on a very formal and vertical corporate communication which does not always correspond to the reality on the ground. During breaks, employees exchange observations, feelings, analyses, gossip, etc. Which allow them to feel supported and to form their own opinion on a situation”, indicates the expert.
Coffee break, cigarette break, micro-nap… When to take a break at work and what to do?
“Whether you choose to take a micro-nap, scroll on your smartphone, call your sister or drink a coffee while observing the view from your window, allows you to pause and rest mentally or physically. At home you can go regarding various activities – taking care not to scatter yourself – and in business, you are no longer subject to the directives of your employer. In other words, you can go regarding your personal business, but you must adhere to company schedules and policies.
Some examples of activities to do during your break:
- drink coffee or tea ;
- eat a snack ;
- discuss with colleagues ;
- take a micro nap (10-20 minutes maximum) ;
- take a walk and walk for a few minutes ;
- listen to music to relax ;
- meditate to improve concentration and reduce stress;
- surf the internet or social networks ;
- lire a few pages from his favorite author’s latest book;
- play table football or crosswords with his colleagues;
- go to smoke a cigarette outdoors (making sure to follow company policy);
- etc.
Free yourself from performance anxiety and guilt!
Do you go out to stretch your legs for ten minutes but your colleagues remain frozen at their workstations? Above all, don’t feel guilty! The break at work is an essential right of employees governed by the Labor Code. You are therefore perfectly entitled to step away from your workstation to breathe for a few moments, even if your line manager keeps chasing you regarding a file in progress. A few missed emails or calls are only a small thing compared to your well-being!
Is there an ideal minimum or maximum break time?
There is no no “ideal” break time to regain the hair of the beast. “It depends on the personalities, the physical and mental state of each, the nature and the pleasure that our missions give us”, answers Philippe Zawieja. Moreover, from a legal point of view, the break time is well and truly framed… A tolerance generally exists when the employee takes breaks in a reasonable manner. But you have to adapt to the business.
In business, what is the legal break time? How many hours can you work without a break?
As indicated above, the mandatory break time in a company is defined by article L 3121-33 of the Labor Code. Thus, when the actual working time reaches six hours, the employer is obliged to grant at least 20 minutes break for his/her employee. And in the case of minors, the law provides for a minimum break of 30 minutes, when their daily working time exceeds four and a half hours.
This pause can be split, for example four 5-minute breaks or two 10-minute breaks spread over the day. She can also to be granted at once, following the six hours of work or before the six hours are completed. But in reality, it’s rare for a company to only allow a 20-minute break every six hours.
To note : a collective agreement may provide for longer break timesespecially at lunchtime.
What regarding the lunch break: is it compulsory by law?
The Labor Code does not provide no specific obligation regarding the midday break. In theory, the employer must leave a necessary time which varies between 30 minutes and two hours depending on the organization of the company and the provisions of the collective agreement. Be that as it may, the meridian break is not paid and the employees are authorized to leave the company if no collective catering structure is provided internally.
How often can you take breaks in your working day?
To preserve productivity and health, it is better to take regular short breaks throughout the day : ideally five to ten minutes every two hours, in addition to the lunch break. Objective ? Get moving and mentally disconnect from work. But in reality, the frequency of breaks often depends on company schedules and policies. Not to mention the level of personal stress and the workload that sometimes make you give up healthy breaks.
What are the consequences in case of abuse?
Be careful with do not take excessive breaks – even working remotely, from your apartment. If your employer thinks that you take breaks too often or that they often last too long, he can impose sanctions ranging from simple blame to disciplinary suspensionor even dismissal for misconduct.
And conversely, if you feel that your employer does not respect break times, you can alert the labor inspectorate or seize the industrial tribunal (CPH).
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