The coffee break is often seen as a cause of distraction and time wastage. However, various studies claim that the benefits of the coffee break are numerous and significant. In fact, everyone should take a coffee break, even if they don't drink coffee. What are these benefits?
The most important benefit is that it increases productivity, but taking a short break for coffee also promotes a good work environment, reduces competitiveness among colleagues, facilitates a change in posture, stimulates concentration and even helps reduce stress. In addition to influencing physical and mental health, it constitutes a social act, providing a good opportunity to socialize and strengthen relationships, thereby creating a more collaborative atmosphere.
Taking a break is important to prevent burnout syndrome , a disorder caused by the accumulation of stress and work, and characterized by symptoms such as depression and anxiety (common reasons for sick leave). These are some of the conclusions from a Universia study involving 1563 workers.
In fact, according to the Human Resources Observatory, doctors and psychologists recommend taking short breaks every two hours during the workday to prevent potential health problems and maintain a good level of brain activity. It's important to note that the brain can only sustain continuous attention for about 50 minutes. After that threshold, the brain will not function properly without a break. For this reason, resting is essential, as these small breaks renew attention and motivation while boosting creativity..
According to a study on "Coffee Consumption in the Office" conducted in August 2017 for Nespresso, eight out of ten Spaniards consume coffee during their workday and consider it important. That's why many companies encourage these types of breaks and social moments among their employees, placing their workers as their most important asset. From a company's perspective alone, promoting regular breaks prevents absences and improves productivity..
The importance of breaks in the workplace is well-known in the field of occupational health and safety. As explained by the National Center for Working Conditions, to maintain a considerable level of attention or to perform continuous physical efforts, no matter how small, it is essential to introduce breaks at various frequencies and not always easily predictable in order to restore optimal levels of expected performance and avoid harm to health.
The importance of taking a break at work has also been promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), although they are more focused on active breaks. According to the WHO, active breaks can increase work performance by 25% and reduce sick leave by 35% to 40%.
Finally, it should be noted that in Spain, the coffee break does not count as working time unless specified by the collective agreement.
