26 July,2011 08:58 AM IST | | Special Feature
The typical eight-hour work day can be a drag for anyone. In fact, studies have shown that employees who are glued to their desk all day are not only less healthy, but also less productive than those who take breaks after a few hours of work. Most office work requires mental energy and that is bound to start flagging after some time. To re-energise themselves, office employees take both official and unofficial breaks. Here are some that we recommend:
Taking a break is the best way to recharge your batteries
Coffee breaks
This type of break is fairly common in most organisations. While the employee does not necessarily partake of coffee -- it refers to any 10 minute break a person takes during the day. The number of coffee breaks are not usually monitored. On an average, you take two coffee breaks a day -- usually in the morning and the evening.
Lunch break
The lunch break is a mandatory feature in any workplace. Normally limited to 30 minutes, the lunch break can sometimes be stretched. Moreover, when lunch is combined with a business meeting and requires the person to travel out of the office premises, the lunch breaks could extend to a few hours.
Catch a fag
Most organisations have a 'no smoking' in the office policy. So employees who smoke are allowed to go onto the office terrace or out of the office to smoke. What is seen most often is that even colleagues who don't smoke follow those who go on these breaks for a bit of informal socialising.
Stretch it out
Companies are waking up to the fact that employees need to get out of their sedentary state during the work hour. Some have gyms or even game rooms where employees can stretch their muscles. Else, even if these facilities are not there, most workers do take a small walk either inside or outside the office or do a few stretching exercises at their desk. Some even meditate to bring back their focus on the task at hand.
Restroom breaks
Yes, using the toilet is also considered a break and by far is the most common break that employees take. Even just splashing water on your face at intervals can do wonders to refresh and energise you. And the best part is that no one can hold you up for taking this break.
When internet access is freely available, employees do take time out to check on personal emails or update their status on social networking sites. When important sports events are on, like cricket matches, football or tennis, surreptitious checking of the score or tuning in to see the final play is not uncommon either. After all, 'all work and no break' will make the employee a dull, unproductive dud!
