Health Psychology Matters Ltd
Workplace health and wellbeing - taking breaks at work
Why do so many of us feel guilty about taking a lunch break?
Working with the fabulous Professor Karen Rodham and Doctor Jenny Taylor from the University of Staffordshire, I explored the psychological and social consequences of taking (or not taking!) meaningful breaks during the working day.
In this original research, which received attention from across the globe, it was found that:
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If you don't physically move away from your desk at break times, your colleagues will see you as "fair game" to pile more work on you!
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The influence of social and work relationships is enormous – if your colleagues take breaks then you are more likely to yourself and vice-versa.
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Even if someone wants to take a break, when faced with lots of work, for some people work always “wins”.
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If you feel people feel anxious and guilty about taking breaks, you are not alone. However some simply don’t feel this same level of anxiety.
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It is not as simple as there being one group of people who always take breaks and another which doesn't - there are lots of factors at play which can change things on a day-to-day basis
I have carried out other extensive research in the field of taking breaks at work. I combine this research with my practical experience of organisational change to provide a compelling proposition for organisations to improve not only the health and wellbeing of their employees but also productivity as well.
How I can help you
Based on our research and on practical experience I can help you and your organisation think differently about taking breaks.
Do you want to:
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Feel happier at work?
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Be less stressed at work?
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Be more physically active at work?
And...
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Be more productive at work?
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Talk positively about your organisation?
If you do, then please get in touch to discuss how I could help.
Working from home more?
Many of us have changed our work patterns as a result of the pandemic.
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Are you making the most of all that time saved by not commuting?
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Are you taking more breaks than normal?
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Are you finding yourself working even longer hours than ever?
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Do you get to the end of a (longer) day and realised that you've hardly moved for hours?
It is one thing to know that you should be taking regular and meaningful breaks, but it is another completely to change your behaviour to make sure that you do...
This is where health psychology comes in. I can help with evidence-based behaviour change techniques to help you and your colleagues build breaks, health and productivity into your working day.
