Seventy-six percent of employees said they could unwind and
relieve stress at work with a well-stocked and comfortable breakroom
FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 7, 2014--
More than a quarter of workers don’t take a break other than lunch,
according to a recent survey of office workers and managers released
today by Staples, and one in five employee respondents cite guilt as the
reason they don’t step away from their workspaces. The survey shows that
66 percent of employees spend more than eight hours a day at work, so
taking a break is more important than ever.
“An alarming trend that’s plaguing workers is job-related stress, which
costs companies hundreds of billions of dollars each year,” says John
Trougakos, Associate Professor of Management at the University of
Toronto. “However, these costs can be reduced with regular work breaks,
while improving employee effectiveness, satisfaction, and reducing
strain and fatigue. Disconnecting from work can do wonders for people’s
energy and mindset.”
The survey shows that both employers and employees acknowledge the
importance of breaks. In fact, 90 percent of employers say they
encourage breaks, and an overwhelming majority of workers (86 percent)
acknowledge that taking a break would make them more productive.
The survey also found that 41 percent of employees feel burned out from
working longer days, and 55 percent don’t feel they can leave their desk
to take a break. However, the survey revealed that breaks can help, with
respondents indicating regular breaks would improve work and personal
happiness (59 percent and 43 percent respectively) and health (37
percent).
“It’s important that employees understand the value of taking a quality
break,” said Tom Heisroth, Senior Vice President, Commercial and
Enterprise Sales, Staples Advantage. “Disconnecting can increase their
happiness, health and productivity. This survey indicates employers are
encouraging employees to take a break, but they need to back that up by
providing a well-stocked breakroom that encourages employees to step
away and not feel tied to their work. Staples offers everything from
beverages, snacks and furniture to provide a comfortable atmosphere for
employees to take a break and for offices to create an inviting
breakroom.”
So what can companies do to foster a break-friendly environment? The key
may lie in breakrooms, as 58 percent of respondents said a
well-stocked/comfortable breakroom would encourage breaks, and 76
percent said such breakrooms would allow them to unwind and relieve
stress.
To help employers encourage breaks, Staples recommends the following:
-
Provide healthy snacks and beverages: Employees want snacks,
with respondents overwhelmingly looking for healthy snack
options, such as nuts and granola bars (57 percent), compared to
chips, cookies or candy (10 percent).
-
Think about comfort: Furniture is an important consideration
for the overall comfort and appeal of the breakroom. But 50 percent of
respondents don’t have a properly furnished breakroom to allow for
relaxation. Employers can provide furniture that allows employees to
unwind with their snacks and beverages and socialize with colleagues.
-
Disconnect when taking a break: Twenty-five percent of
respondents don’t disconnect from work-related technology when taking
regular breaks. Professor Trougakos says employees need to detach
mentally from work to restore the energy it takes to work
productively. Thinking about work doesn’t relieve stress and employees
won’t fully recharge or maximize the usefulness of a break.
Professor Trougakos offers these additional suggestions for companies
and employees to keep in mind regarding work breaks:
-
Maintain a break-encouraging workplace culture: This helps
reduce employee guilt from taking necessary breaks and makes breaks
more effective. Ultimately, this will improve worker well-being and
productivity.
-
The power of positivity: Employees should do something during
breaks to generate positive feelings, since these emotions are
energizing, improve creativity, and can increase productivity.
Resources:
About the Survey
Staples conducted an online survey of more than 200 office workers at
organizations of all sizes across the U.S. and Canada. The survey,
conducted in March 2014, asked a series of questions about people’s work
habits, taking breaks and office breakrooms.
About Staples
Staples makes it easy to make more happen with more products and more
ways to shop. Through its world-class retail, online and delivery
capabilities, Staples lets customers shop however and whenever they
want, whether it’s in-store, online or on mobile devices. Staples offers
more products than ever, such as technology, facilities and breakroom
supplies, furniture, safety supplies, medical supplies, and Copy and
Print services. Staples also offers free shipping for Staples Rewards
Members, in most cases overnight. Headquartered outside of Boston,
Staples operates throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia,
Australia and New Zealand. More information about Staples (SPLS) is
available at www.staples.com.
About Staples Advantage
Staples Advantage, the business-to-business division of Staples, Inc.
(Nasdaq: SPLS), serves organizations of 20 or more employees up to the
Fortune 1000, helping them make more happen with more products, greater
cost savings and improved ordering efficiencies. Staples Advantage
provides its customers, including global businesses, local, state and
federal government, healthcare organizations and educational
institutions, with a one source solution featuring comprehensive
products and services like office supplies, technology, printing,
promotional products, furniture and facility supplies, along with a
customized level of account support and best-in-class customer service.
More information is available at www.staplesadvantage.com.
Source: Staples Advantage
Staples Advantage
Shweta Agarwal, 5082538249
shweta.agarwal@staples.com
