Seventy-six per cent of employees said they could unwind and relieve stress at work with a well-stocked and comfortable breakroom
TORONTO, May 7, 2014 /CNW/ - 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 per cent 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 per cent of employers say they encourage breaks, and an overwhelming majority of workers (86 per cent) acknowledge that taking a break would make them more productive.
The survey also found that 41 per cent of employees feel burned out from working longer days, and 55 per cent 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 per cent and 43 per cent respectively) and health (37 per cent).
"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 per cent of respondents said a well-stocked/comfortable breakroom would encourage breaks, and 76 per cent said such breakrooms would allow them to unwind and relieve stress.
To help employers encourage breaks, Staples recommends the following:
Professor Trougakos offers these additional suggestions for companies and employees to keep in mind regarding work breaks:
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. 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 and www.staples.ca
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.
Image with caption: "Staples study offers insight into how to enhance productivity and morale by fostering a break-friendly work environment. (CNW Group/Staples Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140507_C7037_PHOTO_EN_40061.jpg
SOURCE: Staples Canada Inc.
Valerie Outmezguine, Public Relations Specialist, Staples Canada
905.737.1147 x 2426 / [email protected]
Alessandra Saccal, Head of Communications Canada, Staples Canada
905.737.1147 x 2363 / [email protected]
Share this article