Taking pauses during the workday may seem like a luxury when you’re working in the life sciences business, where long hours and great attention are typically required to make progress. However, studies have shown that taking regular breaks can be an effective strategy for boosting productivity and well-being.  

Short pauses during the job can help people keep their focus and concentration, according to research published in the European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology. This is especially useful for those working in the life sciences, where thoroughness and precision are essential.  

Workers can return to their tasks with fresh minds and enthusiasm after short intervals that allow their brains to rest and recharge.  

Employees would benefit from this, and the strategy is supported by the facts.  

The answer to increased productivity may lay in optimizing the number and length of breaks taken during the workday, according to a study published on May 11 in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis.   Sixteen undergraduates participated in the study, which compared their efficiency both with and without mandatory breaks. In the first session, half of the students took five-minute breaks every 20 minutes; in the second session, they either did not take breaks or had the option to do so. Half of the group took breaks during the second session, but the rest took none.  

Taking breaks throughout class significantly increased productivity for 75% of students. During the control session, most participants also took longer pauses than they had during the sessions with planned breaks.  

Taking breaks during the workday has multiple benefits, including boosting productivity, lowering stress levels, and avoiding burnout. Taking pauses throughout the workday has been shown to have positive effects on employees’ stress levels and well-being, according to a study published in the Public Library of Science in August 2022. This is especially crucial in the biological sciences, where the stakes can be high due to the emphasis placed on getting findings quickly.  

Taking short breaks throughout the day can help workers focus on their work and get more done. By taking a short break from their work, employees can return with renewed focus and the capacity to spot and eliminate distractions that are sabotaging their efficiency. In the long run, this has the potential to boost productivity in the life sciences sector.  

All recesses are not the same. Social media and internet browsing breaks may feel good in the moment, but they have been shown to have a negative impact on productivity in the long run.   Instead, employees should take breaks that provide opportunities for movement and thought, such as going for a walk or reading a book, as recommended by the Harvard Business Review. This can help workers revitalize and refocus, which in turn boosts efficiency and morale.  

More than eighty papers were reviewed to determine how breaks affect productivity. Taking short breaks throughout the day has been shown to improve productivity and employee morale compared to continuous work sessions.  

Breaks can boost productivity, R&D results, and employee happiness by allowing workers to reenergize, concentrate more intently, eliminate distractions, and sharpen their focus.