On the sixth day of industrial ergonomics, my favorite safety team gave to me… tips to take better breaks, boost my energy, and a $25 Target gift card!
Welcome to day six of DORN’s 12 Days of Industrial Ergonomics, where we celebrate the season with daily safety videos, blogs, and prizes!
Today’s topic is often left out of the safety conversation but makes a significant difference when it comes to employee fatigue, productivity, and mental health: breaks.
Today’s workforce is more focused and productive than ever, and sometimes, that means breaks are ignored or taken at a workstation, which can diminish their effectiveness. Breaks are intended to refresh the mind and provide rest for the body, and following a few quick tips can help you get the most out of your breaks.
First, it’s important to use breaks for their intended purpose: giving workers a chance to step away from their tasks. This means physically leaving the computer, desk, or workstation and moving to a designated break area or, even better, an outdoor location.
Second, workers can take quick breaks even during normal work times which will help reduce fatigue and eye strain. Follow the 20-20-20 rule to alleviate strain and help prevent headaches and other types of discomfort: Every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
Third, try taking microbreaks to alleviate discomfort and fatigue. For one to five minutes, stand up, walk around, stretch, and drink some water—staying hydrated is important for preventing so many common workplace health issues. Go outside if possible.
Finally, avoid taking working lunches if at all possible. Stepping away from the workstation and letting your brain reset goes a long way in preventing fatigue and helping you stay focused and productive for the rest of the day. Watch DORN’s Cheryl Roy give a breakdown of how to optimize break schedules.
Thank you for joining us for the 12 Days of Industrial Ergonomics with DORN! Remember to share this post on social media to be entered to win today’s prize: a $25 Target gift card!
Alex Bernstein, the winner of Day 5 of the 12 Days of Ergonomics, has been proactive from the very beginning, consistently sharing our content and engaging with the community.