Incorporating short, five-minute walking breaks into the workday can lead to increased happiness and improved work performance, according to research. These brief periods of movement can counteract the negative health effects associated with prolonged sitting, a common habit in many modern workplaces.
Benefits of Movement Breaks
Employees often express concern about taking breaks, fearing judgment from colleagues or superiors. However, experts emphasize that movement breaks are not detrimental to productivity. "Even though it may seem counter-intuitive, movement breaks actually can boost work performance," stated a researcher. "They can improve executive function, attention and memory. And it helps people feel more relaxed and fresh."
Walking is presented as a low-cost and accessible option for incorporating more movement. It does not necessarily require stopping work entirely, as activities like walking meetings or pacing during phone calls, whether indoors or outdoors, can be effective.
Health Implications
Prolonged sitting has been linked to various health complications. Senior cardiac nurse Emily McGrath of the British Heart Foundation acknowledged the findings, noting that "simple additions of movement can improve overall health." However, she also cautioned that the study relied on self-reported data and was short-term. Further, longer-term research is needed to definitively confirm the impact on heart health.
The study highlighted that sitting for extended periods can be a difficult habit to break for many employees. The concern often stems from perceptions of how taking a break might be viewed by others in the workplace. Yet, the evidence suggests that these breaks can yield significant benefits for both individual well-being and overall job performance.
