While perusing the world wide web the other day, I found an article about work productivity in relation to time spent working. Basically, it found that working for hours and hours on end did not produce the best work. One study by the University of Toronto found that the workers that took regular lunch breaks {as opposed to working through lunch} had higher productivity.
Even more interesting, another group decided to monitor the work habits of their most productive employees. They found that, on average, their highest producing employees were taking a break from work about every 52 minutes for approximately 17 minutes. Interestingly, they were stepping away from their desks and computers. They would chat with other co-workers, read a book, take a stroll, etc. When they returned, they were more refreshed and ready to work intensely for another 52 minutes. The same employees typically did not work a full 8 hour day–which is kind of ingrained in our minds as the minimum gold standard for working full-time.
I loved this whole idea. I always thought I was able to get so much done because I just can’t sit still, it turns out, I was just taking regular breaks–and not burning myself out on one task {but, also, I can’t sit still}. I know lots of peeps who feel like they have to put in “face time” with the boss–being there early and staying late earns them points. How cool would it be if we could just measure productivity–not time spent. Don’t you wish you could casually sneak this article into your boss’s in-box? 😉
I’d love to hear what the office/desk job people have to say about this? Are you more effective with regular breaks? {Also, if you are reading this at work, don’t feel bad…you’re just taking a break to recharge–tell your boss you’ll be more productive for it :)}
~Mavis
Grilled Avocado Turkey and Feta Cheese Sandwich
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