Breaks - a great way to reset your day!
The days of straight 9-5 work hours are thing of the past. For some of us this is a welcome change, while for others it is a logistical nightmare. Some people are better working a set schedule while others need the flexibility to ensure they stay productive. The one trait that is shared by everyone is the need for rest and relaxation.
Breaks
No matter what line of work you are in, one thing remains constant. Some of our coworkers like to take long breaks while others prefer to work 8 hours without stopping and without eating. It is not our place to judge others, but statistics show that well fed and well rested workers have better productivity. Peoples focus tends to lapse when hungry, tired, and when overworked. This is the main reason why lunch breaks became the norm. If we track back through the history of labor laws and unions in this country being able to eat and stay healthy is the main reason why they exist. People are not machines, and we cannot pretend to be. We need to ensure we take care of ourselves and our bodies to ensure we stay healthy and can continue to work to support ourselves and our families.
Own Your Time
The most common break we hear about is a lunch break. This is typically a mid-day break where most of us have some sort of meal; however, there is no law requiring people to eat. Some people prefer to eat big breakfasts and large dinners after work. Some people like to control their diet through eating habits like intermediate fasting. The most important part of a lunch break is that you stop working. We all need time to reset and refocus ourselves and this midday break is crucial in enabling us to do so. There are very few rules on what you can and cannot do on your break. It is your time, and you can do what you want. Obviously going to the bar and having a few drinks is a poor idea. However, if you prefer to take a nap, go for a walk, or do an exercise class, that is your choice. Do what works best for yourself and do what enables you to have a great second half of the day.
Required Breaks
Some major companies do require you to take a break during your day. Federal law says employers must allow them and there is little way to prove that someone refuses to. However, there can be rules that govern these breaks. A lot of businesses cannot function if everyone is at lunch during the same time. This has led to breaks be scheduled by employers. This is a tool that big businesses use to ensure that people get their breaks, and the company can continue to operate efficiently. If you are not sure what your companies break rules are, look up the employee handbook. All companies should have some sort of governing rules that should be consistently followed by everyone. Required breaks is just part of this policy. Finally, do not be scared to ask about a companies break policies. Any quality company should be willing to tell you the rules and expectations.
Brief Breaks
Full lunch breaks are typically 30-60 minutes in length depending on your job and your companies’ policies. However, many companies also have policies for short mid-day breaks. These typically are a few minutes in length and are designed to let you have a second to refocus mentally. These breaks used to be considered “smoke breaks” for cigarette smokers but have evolved since those days. People who do not smoke should get the same few minutes to get a breath of fresh air and relax and this is the origin of this type of break. Most bosses and companies will not care if you take a few minutes to stretch your legs and relax every so often. Just remember not to take advantage of these breaks. No one likes the coworker or employee who always seems to be on break. Just do what is right and work hard and your brief mid-day breaks will not even be thought about.
There is no right or wrong way to get the job done if you do it properly and in a timely manner. Breaks are a tool to enable us to relax, refuel, reset. Take advantage of them and remember to stay calm and focused at work. Doing so will ensure you are happy, and your company should be happy because your productivity and quality of work should improve. Remember, it is nice to finish early but make sure you do not burn yourself out trying to do so.