A new study finds that Canadians who work without breaks may be hurting their job performance and health.

Researchers at the University of Waterloo surveyed 10 employees and 287 workers twice daily over five days about their rationales for taking breaks or not taking them during workdays.

The results: The study found that heavy workloads that discourage employees from taking breaks could lead to burnout, fatigue, and dissatisfaction at work.

• Discouraging breaks due to heavy workloads can disrupt general performance, leading to increased stress and fatigue — which ultimately hinders productivity.
• Although research indicates that breaks have a positive impact on employee performance and well-being, supervision is a significant factor. Workers are less likely to take breaks if they perceive that their supervisors discourage breaks in the workplace.
• Work limitations may prevent employees from taking beneficial breaks, but promoting employee well-being by addressing unpleasant work conditions can reduce the number of necessary breaks.

Yes, but: Vincent Phan, one of the study’s authors, recognizes that various work environments have different demands, and certain work limitations may prevent employees from taking beneficial breaks.

• However, the researchers with the University of Waterloo hope their findings will help promote employee well-being and change the demanding hustle that leads to burnout, fatigue, and dissatisfaction at work.

Room for improvement: There are a...

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