It may be counter-intuitive but taking breaks can help make workers more productive throughout the day. Not only that, but these breaks can also serve as a barrier in the development of musculoskeletal disorders such as carpal tunnel and tendinitis. However, this is not the perspective of more company employees in the position of leadership. Therefore, these microbreak programs are somewhat of an untapped gem; So ergonomic professionals can bring your business an effective stretching program utilizing software (which could be free software), team stretch solutions, or individual computer related stretching program guidelines. Rather than overworking your employees, it is best to have a plan to ensure that worker capabilities are not being exceeded by a bombardment of high demanding physical or repetitive tasks. It does not mean that workers would stop whenever they want, it means that you as a company have considered when and for what duration would be optimal breaks to help staff work safely and with high productivity. Recent scientific studies are discovering that more frequent break times can actually keep your workers more mentally alert and engaged in their tasks. More frequent breaks can also play an important role in reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders in your workforce.‍ These are coined in the ergonomics world as a micro-break or microbreak! ‍Microbreaks are just short and voluntary breaks scheduled evenly throughout a workday. The microbreak itself, not only allows the employee to take a break from the physical duty of job tasks, but also allows them to temporarily refocus their attention on something different as well as shift body positions. This clears mental load and fatigue invigorating workers so that they may work safer and refresh their abilities to work at full capacity. A standard microbreak is very short in duration 3-5 minutes. These give your employees the time needed to allow muscles to rest and regain blood flow and repair for the previous 30 - 45 minutes of work performed.‍ However, microbreaks come in a variety of flavors! Some examples outside of the box include:

• Grabbing some water or a snack
• Engaging in a conversation with a colleague away while moving away from any work tasks
• Quick stretches or movement appropriate for the space (such as computer dynamic and static stretches)
• Taking a short walk outside to get fresh air and de-stress vision and relieve mental fatigue
• Having a short, five-minute mindfulness meditation

The benefits are numerous and without a tradeoff. Two main benefits include improving worker focus and reducing the risk of MSDs which are the highest workplace injury types. Studies also show that these breaks improve worker concentration and reduce workplace related stress. Other studies explain that these microbreaks help with eyesight as well since most computer users spend their day focused on a screen right in front of them. Getting away from a computer workstation and getting blood moving or stretching is allows workers to reduce postural and positional stress which can lead to strain and poor body postures over time. If your business can use a microbreak program, consult with an ergonomic specialist with Ergobility today!