Hustling Only Goes So Far; You Need a Break
This is a contributed post and may contain affiliate links. The thoughts and ideas expressed may not be exactly what the copywriter Scott Sery believes. But he did read it, and signed off on it, so it’s at least pretty close.
A competitive salary, regular feedback, wellness perks, employee recognition, and a positive office environment all play a role in keeping employees happy. But there’s one element that often goes unnoticed: break culture.
A strong break culture isn’t just about letting employees step away from their desks—it’s about encouraging them to do so without guilt or pressure. While wellness programs like gym memberships and meditation apps are helpful, they won’t counteract a workday packed with back-to-back meetings, endless emails, and the unspoken expectation to power through lunch. True wellness starts with how employees structure their day, and breaks are a crucial part of that equation.
Studies show that short, frequent breaks improve focus, reduce stress, and increase job satisfaction. Yet many employees skip them, fearing they’ll appear unproductive. Without a clear break culture, overwork becomes the norm, leading to burnout, disengagement, and ultimately, higher turnover.
Encouraging and enforcing breaks is more than a perk—it’s a retention strategy. Companies that prioritize break culture create a healthier, more sustainable workplace, where employees feel valued, refreshed, and ready to perform at their best.
Why Employees Struggle to Take Breaks
Many employees skip breaks—not because they don’t need them, but because workplace culture discourages them. Heavy workloads, tight deadlines, and the fear of looking unproductive push employees to power through the day without pausing. In many companies, overworking isn’t just normalized—it’s rewarded. The result? A workforce that equates exhaustion with efficiency.
The problem is compounded by the always-on mentality. Emails, Slack messages, and Teams notifications create a constant stream of interruptions, making it difficult for employees to step away. Even when they’re not actively working, they feel tethered to their devices, afraid of missing something important. The expectation to be available at all times turns short breaks into a luxury rather than a necessity.
Then there’s the guilt factor. Employees worry that stepping away will make them look disengaged or lazy. They see their colleagues working through lunch and assume they should do the same. Without clear policies supporting breaks, many choose to sacrifice rest for the sake of appearances.
Leadership plays a crucial role here. If managers don’t take breaks, employees won’t either. A culture where leadership stays glued to their screens signals that rest isn’t valued. Without active reinforcement from the top, employees will continue to push through exhaustion, leading to burnout, declining performance, and higher turnover.
The Science Behind Taking Breaks
Breaks aren’t just a nice-to-have—they’re essential for brain function. Research shows that short, regular breaks improve focus, memory, and problem-solving skills. Without them, cognitive resources deplete, leading to mental fatigue, slower reaction times, and reduced productivity. Employees who take microbreaks experience higher energy levels and better concentration throughout the day.
Physically, prolonged sitting and screen time take a toll. Staring at a screen for hours strains the eyes, while staying seated for long periods increases the risk of musculoskeletal issues. Excessive sitting can be linked to higher risks of cardiovascular disease and early mortality. Short breaks—especially those that involve movement—can counteract these effects.
The benefits extend beyond productivity and health. Regular breaks also improve mood and job satisfaction. Stepping away from a task for even a few minutes restores motivation, making employees more engaged and less stressed.
Despite the evidence, many workplaces still discourage breaks, treating them as distractions. In reality, the opposite is true. Structured, intentional breaks don’t waste time—they optimize it. Encouraging employees to take breaks isn’t just a wellness initiative; it’s a strategy for building a sharper, healthier, and more resilient workforce.
Creating a Strong Break Culture
Many companies claim to support breaks, but without clear policies, employees hesitate to take them. A strong break culture doesn’t happen by accident—it requires leadership, structure, and reinforcement.
The first step is setting clear expectations. Breaks shouldn’t be seen as optional perks; they should be built into the workday. Employees need to know they are expected to step away, not just permitted to do so. Whether it’s a morning coffee break, a walk around the block, or five minutes of stretching, these pauses should be non-negotiable.
Microbreaks also matter. Short, frequent pauses—30 to 90 seconds every 30 minutes—reduce fatigue and boost concentration. Studies show that microbreaks improve problem-solving skills and prevent burnout. Employers should actively educate teams on their benefits and integrate them into daily workflows.
Leadership plays a defining role. When managers skip breaks and stay glued to their screens, employees follow suit. The solution? Leaders must model the behavior they want to see. Taking breaks openly, encouraging team members to do the same, and reinforcing the message in one-on-one conversations will help shift workplace norms.
Scheduling should also align with break culture. When workloads and deadlines are unrealistic, employees feel forced to push through exhaustion. Companies must ensure that workflows allow for regular pauses without guilt. This means avoiding last-minute demands that disrupt break times and structuring meetings with natural gaps for recovery.
Finally, stepping away should be normalized and even celebrated. Instead of glorifying long hours, organizations should recognize employees who respect their own limits.
Creating a Space That Encourages Rest and Recharge
A well-designed break room is more than just a place to eat lunch—it’s a retreat from the pressures of the workday. Without a dedicated space for breaks, employees often default to eating at their desks or scrolling through emails while sipping coffee. A proper breakroom signals that stepping away is not only allowed but encouraged.
The right setup makes all the difference. Comfortable seating and an inviting layout encourage employees to relax and recharge. Investing in practical, modern furniture like Plymold office breakroom furniture ensures the space is both functional and welcoming. Ergonomic chairs, communal tables, and thoughtfully designed seating arrangements can turn a bland room into a space employees actually want to use.
Amenities also matter. A well-stocked coffee station, healthy snacks, and small touches like books, plants, and soft lighting create an environment that promotes relaxation. Breakrooms should feel different from the workspace and free from the distractions of meetings and deadlines.
To encourage true mental breaks, companies should consider technology-free zones. Employees spend most of their day staring at screens. Giving them a space where they can unplug—even briefly—reduces eye strain and mental fatigue.
Beyond relaxation, breakrooms foster social interaction. Casual conversations over coffee strengthen team bonds and improve workplace morale. Employees who connect with their colleagues outside of meetings work better together. A thoughtfully designed breakroom isn’t just a nice extra—it’s an investment in productivity, retention, and overall workplace satisfaction.
Meeting Culture Can Destroy Break Culture
Many employees skip breaks not because they want to, but because they’re stuck in meetings. The rise of back-to-back meetings leaves little time to breathe, let alone step away. When every hour is filled with video calls and check-ins, breaks become an afterthought, and exhaustion sets in.
Meeting burnout is real. Too many meetings drain mental energy, making it harder to focus on meaningful work. Excessive meetings reduce productivity and increase stress. The cognitive load of switching from one discussion to another without a break leads to decision fatigue, poor concentration, and lower-quality work.
Companies that want to protect break culture need to rethink meeting culture. Introducing no-meeting blocks gives employees time to focus and recharge. Shorter meetings help too. Many discussions that default to an hour could be wrapped up in 15 or 30 minutes with better planning.
Not every discussion needs a meeting. If an update can be shared via email or an asynchronous message, that’s often the better choice.
Respecting break times is just as important. Scheduling meetings over lunch or right before or after designated break times undermines the very culture companies should be fostering. When employees have space to step away, they return sharper, more engaged, and ready to contribute.