Imagine you’re standing in line at the amusement park, eagerly awaiting your turn on the roller coaster. You see the fear and excitement in the eyes of the riders ahead, and you can hardly contain your own anticipation. But as you inch closer to the front of the line, you start to doubt whether it’s worth it. Maybe this ride isn’t as thrilling as you imagined. Maybe you’d be better off skipping it altogether and moving on to the next attraction. Well, turns out employees in high-stress jobs feel a lot like that when it comes to taking breaks at work. A new study reveals that despite the overwhelming need for rest and recuperation, heavy workloads actually discourage employees from hitting the pause button. It’s like having a fast-paced job is akin to standing in that roller coaster line – even though you know you need a break, the pressure and demands of work make it seem more appealing to just keep going. And this reluctance to take breaks can lead to increased stress levels, fatigue, and poor job performance.
Now, you might think that taking regular breaks is a no-brainer when it comes to reducing stress and boosting productivity. But this research suggests it’s not that simple. The study found that when employees feel overwhelmed by their workload, they are less likely to take breaks because they perceive them as a luxury they can’t afford. They fear falling behind on their tasks or appearing lazy in the eyes of their colleagues or supervisors. So instead of recouping their energy and refocusing their minds, they soldier on through the stress and fatigue, often leading to burnout.
So, what can we take away from this? It’s important for employers to understand the psychological barriers that prevent their employees from taking breaks. By creating a supportive work environment that encourages regular breaks and destigmatizes rest, employers can help alleviate stress and improve overall employee well-being. And employees should also be aware of the importance of self-care and advocate for their own mental health needs. Taking breaks isn’t a sign of weakness or laziness; it’s a necessary part of maintaining productivity and happiness in the workplace.
To delve deeper into the research behind this phenomenon, check out the full article!
Heavy workloads make employees feel a greater need for a break, but new research finds they may actually discourage employees from taking breaks at work despite causing high levels of stress, fatigue, and poor performance.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.