Tag Archives: breaks

Ergonomics, General Safety Issues

WORKROOM IMPROVEMENTS TO PROMOTE LEARNING (GUEST POST)

 Learning should never be confined in the four corners of the classroom. As long as people live, they will seek intelligence. As Aristotle said, “all men by nature desire knowledge.” After graduating, people depend on their work to satisfy their desire for knowledge. How they perform in their companies, have an effect on how much they boost their cognitive ability.

But how can their jobs be conducive to learning if their workroom does not promote better work performance? Ergonomics has a lot to say on this. Various studies show that cognitive performance is linked to environmental design and human factors.

Few renovations and improvements can help employees do better in their jobs and satisfy their desire for knowledge. To help you, here are a few ergonomic tips that ignite learning in a working environment:

Workroom Layout

During a busy day at the office, do you find yourself going from the printer, copy machine and back to your station and feel easily worn-out? You’ll never perform well if your workroom is not fit to human factors. Every important tools should be convenient to reach. Otherwise, it can limit people’s action and interrupt work flow. Tables and chairs should also fit the height of the user to avoid posture problems. Adequate space under the workstation is important to leave room for the feet to relax.

Room Design

Why do you think Google, one of the best companies to work for is very appealing among job seekers? It’s because everyone loves to work in a working environment that promotes fun, creativity and learning. Just imagine working in office like of Google. For sure, you will feel inspired to go to work every day.

But not all are as rich as Google. To get the same effect, apply visual ergonomics in your workroom. A well designed room helps promote learning and better performance. According to the color of psychology, green represents energy, power and rejuvenation. It is known to help people avoid eye-strain because of its soothing effect. Paint this color on your walls, or add green accents, like fresh plants to get your employees inspired to work.

Lighting

Productivity is related to light condition. Wrong light system can cause eye-strain and eventually, physical exhaustion. Monitor glare is the major roots of eye fatigue so light source should be ceiling suspended and does not directly hit the work station. To control light from an outside source, use a window blind or shade. No matter how visually pleasing the lights in your office are, if it is too dark or light that you squint to properly see what you are working at, it won’t do much in boosting productivity.

Eye-to-screen Distance

Your computer monitor emits light. This also causes eye-strain. Ergonomics tells you to keep a safe distance from your monitor when working in front of the computer for long hours. How far is far? Well it is hard to tell, but experts suggest that users have to avoid getting closer than the resting point of vergence (RPV). This is the point when the eyesight projected in both retinas are almost the same. It is the safe zone to avoid double images and eye fatigue. Farther is better! but make sure that you are comfortable reading the texts. In the end, it is in your judgment to tell, which distance fits your work condition. You have to consider the screen and font size.

Task Design

Cognitive growth in workplace is associated to the amount of task that people do, and amount of resting period they get. That is why tasks should be properly designed to fit the human condition. If there are too much workload, employees should get ample break to regain energy. Managers are responsible in keeping the productivity of their workers by knowing their capabilities and limitations. Enough social interaction is also healthy, to perform better at work.

Why do you think employees often use “lack of growth” in their resignation letters? That is because they don’t feel growing in terms of experience, performance and knowledge. Work performance is linked to employee’s cognitive development. To make employees learn new things, you have to promote productivity in a workroom.

Although ergonomics is not the sole reason for human intellectual growth, the tips above can help promote learning in a working environment. 

Author’s Bio

Ethan Harvell is a blogger and writer for a corporate magazine. He has also contributed articles for different newsletters in various websites. He gets most of his writing experience from bestessays, a writing company, where he is currently employed.

Ergonomics, Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

INTERESTING OFFICE SAFETY TIPS (GUEST POST)

1 Comment

Ensuring office safety is a serious thing. As an office is a place housing hundreds to thousands of employees, business owners and managers must consider office safety a high priority. They should create a safe workplace for their employees, implementing safety mandates and ensure a hazard-free office environment. 

Ergonomics

Heard about this term before? For those who have no idea what ergonomics is, it is a science which main concern is between workers and their environment. It looks at how employees do their work and ensure body safety of the employees when doing such work. We can basically say that ergonomics protects and prevents employees from strain and injury. 

In a workplace, for example, an employee must be provided with a desk and a chair that he or she can adjust to her body size. He or she should be able to sit straight and comfortably when working. For the flooring, a special padded rubber mat that absorbs shock is needed if a worker must stand while doing his or her work. These things may seem unimportant but provide protection and prevent casualties in a workplace. 

Housekeeping

It is a normal scene in restaurants and fast-food chains to see cleaners put on warning signs when the floor is wet to prevent accidents. This should be done also in offices where a worker could trip or fall. General housekeeping must be safely done both by directing janitorial crews to clearly mark wet floor areas and in-house electricians to prevent damaged cords out in the open. It is recommended that office cleaning be scheduled when most workers are out of the office. 

Fire Hazards

Fire hazards pose a big danger in the workplace. Professional should regularly check both the computer systems, as well as electrical systems.  Workers should be warned about the dangers of overloading single outlets and using too many extension cords. Offices must run regular fire drills and develop  a fire escape plan for employees. 

Lighting

Employees who spend most of their working time in front of a computer are more prone to getting headaches and eyestrain, sometimes caused by either too much lighting from sun or inadequate light fixtures.  This problem can be avoided by placing computer monitors in appropriate positions. Cornell University Ergonomics Web recommends that the computer be positioned directly in front of the user and the lighting isn’t too bright. To block the sun’s rays, shades should be provided by the company. 

Seating

Many employees develop sciatic pain in their backs and legs from hours of sitting. Our bodies were not designed to be in a seated position for a long time. Workers can avoid this problem by taking several break periods though the day. Employees should stand up and move around the office as much as they are permitted. Aside from using ergonomic chairs, employees can do arm and neck stretching and other simple exercises while in the workplace. 

AUTHOR BIO 

Shiela Flakes works as a Research Associate for help.plagtracker.com. Aside from doing research, she also does writing and editing consultations to many different people. Reach Shiela through her Google+.ele

General Safety Issues

GREAT IDEAS TO REDUCE WORK-RELATED STRESS (GUEST POST)

If you ask any employed person today, they are bound to say that they are stressed. While a little bit of stress is desirable, a lot of it and consistent quantities of it isn’t good for a person’s health, wellbeing or productivity. But did you know that reducing work-related stress isn’t that hard. Here are a few tips that can help you reduce work stress very easily.

Let the Serenity Prayer be your work mantra

The Serenity Prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr which is widely used by AA and other rehab/support programs has people asking God to grant them the power to change what they can and to accept what they cannot. For someone trying to reduce work stress, it can be a powerful mantra. Most work related stress is caused by inter-office dynamics and one’s relationship between co-workers. If you chant the Serenity Prayer or have it stuck to your workstation, you would be able to learn to mentally distance yourself from negative, stress causing thoughts, events and people.

Don’t take too much on your plate

Have you ever run on a treadmill that was set at a speed beyond what your body can endure? We’re guessing not and the reason behind doing so is that we all know the limits of our body very well. But most of us tend to take on too much work trying to get ahead in our careers. This is the single biggest contributor to work related stress in employees. Even if you are the best at everything, learn to delegate, to be a team player and to say no to tasks when you just don’t have the time or energy to do them.

Multi-task only when you absolutely need to

Multi-tasking has been revered as the career-minded person’s mantra to success. Unfortunately, it is also a great contributor to stress. Just like you cannot write on two different pages with both your hands at the same time without making grave mistakes on both pages, multi-tasking at work too reduces the amount of focus you can provide to every task that try to do at the same time. In fact, when you devote all your attention to a single task, you get it done more effectively, efficiently, in less time and with a lot less stress.

Use a day planner

Trying to remember all the things you need to get through a work day while actually doing all those tasks will leave your brain in a mush. It will also keep you on your toes all day long needlessly. A great way to reduce time management related stress is to simply use a day planner to chalk out all the work that you need to get done in a day. Remember to include the time you might use up in breaks and commutes and you would be able to spare yourself the heartache of trying to get work done while remembering all the things that you need to do.

Don’t bring work home

Most employers wouldn’t look too kindly upon it if you brought your laundry to work and tried to get it done during a meeting with clients. Just like bringing your home chores to work wouldn’t be a great idea, bringing work home also isn’t good. You need to remember that a good home life is essential to keeping you feeling emotionally satisfied which as we all know is key to optimizing productivity at work. Use your time at home to take a break from work and you will find yourself refreshed and enthusiastic about getting work done the next day.

Socialize every day of the work week

A lot of us don’t like the people that we work with and many of us complain that our work takes up so much time that we hardly ever get to see our family and friends. Socializing, however, helps ease the buildup of stress by releasing serotonin and endorphins aka the happiness hormones.  When you socialize, you not only get a mental break from the work that you were doing, you also get to vocalize your stress and release it while the proximity to people you like helps you relax and feel refreshed. Hence, a 10 minute coffee run with a colleague you like, meeting up with close friends for a sandwich during lunch time and even retreating to your special, secret “clubhouse” in the office building during coffee breaks with co-workers you’re friends with, can help you reduce work stress while allowing you to create a positive mental connection between working and feeling happy. 

 

This Post is written by Margaret. She is a writer/blogger. She writes articles on Technology, social media, WordPress, Gamification, luxury interior design, website development and online development etc. These days she contributes on punchh

General Safety Issues

BOOSTING TRUCK DRIVER SAFETY PERFORMANCE (GUEST POST)

Most companies in every industry agree that it’s crucial to have a safe working environment. But assessing safety and maintaining it across the board and over time can be challenging in certain types of businesses.

For instance, freight transportation outfits—the companies that hire truckers to haul food, fuel, livestock and other goods all over the country to ensure that store shelves are stocked and tanks stay full—often have a tough time keeping tabs on the behavior of drivers on the road. Are the trucks running well? Are drivers well-rested and alert? Are routes hazardous or being hit with dangerous weather? A fleet management company must find ways to answer these questions to ensure that drivers are working safely.

Instinctively, you may look at ratings provided by the U.S. Transportation Department, but these don’t seem to accurately reflect a company’s highway safety performance. According to Bloomberg, a Wells Fargo Securities study indicates no correlation between a company’s official safety scores and the number of accidents on its record. The federal scores don’t just rate accidents; they also consider things like paperwork violations. But they don’t factor in wellness considerations such as how much exercise a driver gets or the food choices she makes.

Among the 28 safety management components identified by the Federal Motor Carrier Association are driver’s training, communication between managers and drivers, on-board safety monitoring, fatigue management (hours driven versus break time) and driver health, wellness and lifestyle. These considerations are separate from vehicle maintenance and inspection issues.

Here are a few tips for improving safety in these categories:

Driving Time

Common sense tells you that if someone drives for too many hours without a break, he’s likely to fall asleep at the wheel or at least become drowsy and slow to respond to traffic and road hazards. Unfortunately, traditional paper logs for documenting driving time and breaks make it easy for drivers to make mistakes or even intentionally fudge the records to wedge in more distance and improve performance. But safety suffers in this situation.

To improve the accuracy of driver logs and remove this burden from drivers, consider installing an EOBR (Electronic On-Board Recorder) on each vehicle. This device automatically records drive time; some will even alert drivers to stop when they’ve been on the road for too long. This device can also help spot problems on the road and notify drivers of other problematic issues.

Vehicle Condition

When a vehicle is on the road, managers can’t easily determine how it’s operating and what condition it’s in unless the driver phones in with a problem. But it’s not too hard in most cases to give the truck a checkup when it stops at the warehouse or hub. Make a point of adding a routine check to these stops. Doing the check when products are being loaded or unloaded means this important safety process can get done without incurring extra down time.

Driver Health

Forgetting about the importance of exercise is often easy when you’re sitting in a truck all day. It’s also tempting to stop at fast food places instead of choosing wholesome food. After all, eating in a sit-down restaurant or walking a mile or two takes time, and most drivers want to complete deliveries as fast as possible. But making smart food choices and fitting in daily exercise is a matter of good health and safe driving.

Consider starting an employee education program to remind drivers that bad habits like smoking and overeating can negatively affect their professional performance. You can also encourage healthier behavior to improve safety by offering specific ideas for healthy ways to eat and exercise on the road.

The safety of long-distance truck drivers is ultimately up to more than just the drivers themselves. Trucking companies need to ensure certain health and safety measures are observed throughout all phases of travel. It’s a natural inclination to want to accomplish as much as possible for the least amount of money, but the safety of individual truckers and others on the roadway is too crucial to be relegated to a secondary concern.

Danielle is a student of the Kelley School of Business, majoring in marketing and supply chain management. In her relatively short time dealing with operations and logistics, she’s witnessed far too many accidents and seen the effects of unhealthy driver lifestyles. By raising awareness of the issues that lead to these problems, she hopes to help decrease truck driver safety performance over time.

Back Safety, Ergonomics, General Safety Issues

FIVE THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN HANDLING HEAVY EQUIPMENT (GUEST POST)

 

Manual handling causes over third of all workplace injuries, and if your job frequently requires you to lift, pull, push, hold or restrain heavy objects or equipment, you may be at risk.

However, heavy manual labor is not the only risk factor; manual handling injuries can also occur as a result of awkward postures or repetitive movements of the arms, legs and back.

With this in mind, it is important to identify any possible risks that may be present in your workplace, and take safety precautions to prevent injuries from occurring.

Here are five things to keep in mind when manual handling:

1. Maintain good posture at all times

Maintaining good posture is important whether you are sitting at your desk, waiting in line or lifting something heavy. Keeping your spine straight will protect your muscles, organs, make breathing easier and increase your energy.

Here are a few tips for maintaining good posture during different activities:

Sitting

While seated at your desk, make an effort to sit up straight with your shoulders pulled back. Keep your legs at 90-degree angle to your body in order to support your back. When you are seated correctly your neck, back and heels should be in alignment.

Standing

When standing or walking, keep your head up with your chin slightly tucked in rather than pointing outwards. Your shoulders should be back, your chest should be forward and your stomach should be pulled in. Also, remember to place your weight on the ball of your feel instead of your heels or toes.

Lifting

When stooping to lift something from a low shelf or off the ground, bend at the knees rather than at the waist so that your back stays straight. Use your legs to do the lifting and resist the urge to lean forward. Don’t forget to use your Back Support Belt

2. Lift and carry loads correctly

If you have to lift or carry a heavy load, it is important to follow the right protocol. This includes warming up your muscles with a few gentle stretches before engaging in any manual labor and keeping any objects you are carrying close to the body and lifting with your thigh muscles as opposed to your back.

Always assess whether or not a load can be broken down into smaller and lighter components that will be easier to lift. If you can, push rather than pull the load, as this will put less stress on your body.

Before lifting, adopt a stable position and keep your feet apart while placing one leg forwards in order to maintain your balance. Make sure you have a good grip before you start lifting, and avoid twisting your back or leaning to the side while your back is bent.

3. Use mechanical aids whenever possible

When you have a choice between carrying something yourself or using a mechanical aid such as a wheelbarrow, cart or conveyor belt, you should always choose the mechanical aid, even if you feel capable of lifting the object on your own.

This prevents you from putting an unnecessary strain on your back and means that when you do need to lift something on your own you won’t be worn out. Remember; there is a difference between what you can lift and what you can lift safely.

4. Change the nature of the work

Although this may not always be possible, you should look for opportunities to change the nature of the work you are doing from time to time. Alternating between different tasks throughout the day ensures that you are not carrying out the same movements repeatedly, or overworking certain muscle groups.

For example, if you are unloading boxes from a pallet and your colleague is taking inventory or unpacking the boxes, make a point of trading tasks every so often to give your muscles a break and avoid putting stress on your back.

5. Take frequent breaks

Whether you are sitting at your desk for a prolonged amount of time, lifting and carrying objects or carrying out a task that is repetitive in nature, such as packaging or assembling items, it is important that you take frequent breaks in order to stretch and loosen your muscles and recuperate your strength.

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Protective Clothing, Weather Protection

TEN RULES FOR SAFE OUTDOOR PLAY THIS WINTER (GUEST POST)

By Barbara Williams of www.findababysitter.org 

With rising childhood obesity rates and the increasing illnesses that accompany a sedentary lifestyle, it’s no secret that kids should be encouraged to get outside and engage in active play. As the lower temperatures approach, so does cold and flu season, which can be greatly exacerbated when kids are held indoors where germs can easily be spread through respiratory droplets and exhalations. Keeping kids safe while they’re out in the cold, however, is an absolute necessity. The following guidelines can help you ensure that your kids’ activity levels don’t suffer at the onset of winter and that they stay safe until the spring thaw rolls around.

  1. Use Sunscreen – Protecting kids’ skin from the damaging rays of the sun is a major priority for most parents and caregivers during the summer months, but one that often falls to the wayside when temperatures cool down. In fact, the reflection of the sun off of snow and ice can be almost as damaging as direct exposure. Make sure that your youngsters are slathered with sunscreen before they hit the outdoors. Another tip is to protect their eyes with sunglasses that have UV protection. Glare from snow, and other bright winter backgrounds can damage their eyes the same as in warm weather.
  2. Waterproof Clothing is Key – Keeping kids warm during the winter chill relies heavily upon your ability to keep them dry. Melting ice and snow can leave most fabrics wet, soggy and very cold. Make sure that you invest in some waterproof or water-resistant clothing and shoes, especially proper boots.
  3. Know the Signs of Frostbite – Frostbite occurs when your child’s skin or extremities are literally frozen. The nose, ears, fingers, cheeks and toes are most commonly affected, and it can be quite dangerous when these extremities suffer from frostbite. Signs of superficial frostbite include itching, numbness, tingling or burning sensations. The affected skin may become white, flushed, yellow or blue and appear frozen, and will be cold to the touch.
  4. Dress for Success – Just because your kids are bundled against the cold doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re wearing safe clothing. Hoods and hats don’t take the place of helmets for activities like biking or skating, while tight clothing that restricts movement can present a danger as it inhibits kids’ ability to move and balance properly. Be sure that your brood is dressed appropriately for outdoor play, not just for cold temperatures.
  5. Insist on Warm-Up Breaks – When kids are enjoying themselves and are particularly absorbed in an activity, it’s easy for them to lose track of time. That’s why it’s important for you to insist on periodic warm-up breaks to check for signs of hypothermia or frostbite and ensure that they don’t get too cold.
  6. Keep Ice Skating Safe – Ice skating is a beloved, time-honored cold-weather outdoor activity. It can also be quite dangerous, though. Public areas designated for ice skating are far safer than ponds or bodies of water on your own property, which may not be thoroughly frozen and could crack under kids’ weight. Be sure that any ice your children are going to skate on is frozen solid, and that they’re wearing the right protective gear.
  7. Smart Sledding – Racing down a snow-covered hill on a sled is one of life’s great thrills, even for adults. Kids love sledding, but it’s important that they understand the basic safety rules before setting out. Sledding down hills that terminate near a road, down paths that have obstacles like jumps, rocks or bumps, or down icy slopes are all sledding safety no-nos. Kids should also never be pulled on sleds behind moving vehicles of any kind.
  8. Don’t Forget About Dehydration – Dehydration isn’t a concern reserved solely for warm-weather months. While your children are enjoying a session of outdoor play, be sure that they’re taking in plenty of fluids.
  9. Scarf Safety – Scarves are useful tools for protecting against the cold, as they can be wrapped around almost any part of the body that feels cold. However, they can also become ensnared in moving parts of toys or overhanging branches, closed in doors, or otherwise tangled in a manner that presents a strangulation risk. It’s better to opt for cowl-style scarves until kids are a bit older and less rambunctious.
  10. Double-Check Equipment – Making sure that any equipment for outdoor play, whether new or old, is in good condition, fits properly and is otherwise suitable for use before sending kids outside with it. Damaged or broken equipment can very easily cause injuries, especially if kids are using them improperly to compensate for the damage.

While outdoor play is important and can help to stave off cold-weather ailments, like the flu or the common cold, it’s important to understand that there are times when it’s simply too cold for your brood to safely be outside. Extreme temperatures can be very dangerous, causing a child’s body to lose heat faster than it can be generated. The end result is hypothermia, which can be life-threatening.

Back Safety, Ergonomics, Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

EASY WAYS TO REDUCE INJURIES IN AN OFFICE SETTING (GUEST POST)

1 Comment
 Sent to us by Brandon Allred.

Work injuries that are related to computers are quickly becoming the most reported incidences on the job. This is because using computers in the work place are so very common nowadays in almost every area of the world. Since this is fact we have to take into consideration how these injuries occur and how to prevent them as much as possible. New standards set forth by occupational safety committees recommend safer ways to use computers and other such devices that will lessen the effects that cause the injuries in the first place. These tips are important to follow because using computers for a large amount of your workday can cause back problems, neck problems, and hand/wrist problems such as carpel tunnel syndrome. If you are someone who works heavily on computers at work (or even at home) keep reading to find out how you can boost your chances of sustaining injuries.

Tip 1:                                                      

The chair that you sit in can make all the difference. It can cause or prevent damage. Your chair should be designed ergonomically so that it fits your back (and your entire body) in a way that is more natural and comfortable, thus preventing strain in any one area and preventing injuries.

Tip 2:

Even with ergonomic chairs your body still needs a change of position every now and then. At least once per hour, get up and move around for a couple of minutes in order to get your blood flowing and your muscles moving.

Tip 3:

Many workplaces that require you to be sitting at desks or computers for long periods of time will require that you have a morning and afternoon exercise session. If your workplace does not have this then suggest it yourself. If the suggestion is not taken then do the small exercises on your own to help protect your body.

Tip 4:

If you are typing for long periods of time, move your wrists often. This will help relieve them from the stress being put on them from the mouse and keyboard which can cause carpel tunnel syndrome. This is a painful condition that may render you unable to work at the computer anymore and require surgery to fix.

Tip 5:

Use an ergonomic keyboard that tilts at a good angle to relieve any pressure put on your wrists and hands. Using one at home is also a smart idea and they can be purchased at most any store that sells computer items.

Tip 6:

Adjust the position that you are sitting in if you feel any strain or pain. Your shoulder, hands, wrists and arms should feel totally relaxed. If they are not then you are not sitting properly to prevent injury.

Tip 7:

Your eyes should also be protected while working at the computer. Make sure that the screen is tilted at an angle where you do not have to strain your neck or eyes to see it. Also make sure that the screen is not too light or too dark as this will strain your eyes as well.

Tip 8:

Your eyes should also be rested frequently throughout the workday. Staring at a screen all day can take a toll no matter how well your position is. Take several breaks by focusing your eyes on objects in the distance. This only takes a few seconds to be helpful so do it frequently.

Tip 9:

Avoid tensing your body’s muscles while working at the computer as this strain can cause all types of work related injuries.

Tip 10:

Have your computer fitted with a glare screen to keep your eyes as safe as possible and avoid further strain.

All of the above can make a real difference in workplace comfort and lessen the chances of becoming injured. Keep these tips in mind if you are often on your home computer as well.

Protective Technologies provides advanced http://www.pti-world.com/walk-through-detector security products.  Please check out the link for more information. 

An extra note: motivational posters placed in the office also offer reminders that go well with the above tips. Pat

General Safety Issues

The Best Remedy for the Pains of a Desk Job (Guest Post)

Sent to us by Amelia Wood

Poor Posture

It can be difficult for office workers to maintain upright posture throughout the day. Chairs, desk positions, height, weight and preexisting medical conditions can all cause employees to slump into a collapsible position. Although it is incredibly common, sitting in the hunched position can lead to serious health problems.

Improper posture compresses different areas of the spine which can prohibit blood flow to the vertebrae in your spinal column. A lack of blood supply can cause degeneration of the intervertebral disc and can eventually lead to back pain. 

Tension headaches, TMJ and chronic pain in the neck and shoulders are also symptoms of poor posture. Pressure from bad posture can also cause fluid loss in the spine, which can result in structural changes of connective tissue and the distortion commonly referred to as “hunchback.”

Sedentary Work Day

The longer we sit (even with appropriate posture) the greater our chances for cardiovascular disease as well as colon and breast cancers. One recent study, published in the Lancet medical journal, compared a sedentary lifestyle to smoking in terms of preventable disease. The study also identified the behavior as having a negative impact on public health worldwide. Professionals recommend exercise of 15-30 minutes every day, but even those who exercise for 15-30 minutes a day are within the national average of Americans who spend the rest of the day in a sedentary state.

Computer Pains

Forearm, wrist and hand discomfort are common symptoms of performing repetitive tasks such as typing and using a mouse. Eyestrain, though not serious, often occurs after working at a computer for long periods of time. However, eyestrain could indicate an underlying condition that has gone untreated.

The Best Remedy

Take Breaks!

The most effective way to combat the pains of a desk job is to take breaks throughout the day. In some cases, breaks have been shown to increase productivity; and even with less time dedicated to work, taking breaks does not affect productivity negatively.

You might be surprised to discover that there are many different types of breaks. No type of break has been proven universally more effective than another.

Micropauses (15 seconds) – When taken every 10 minutes, micropauses can reduce end-of-shift fatigue by 50%.

Microbreaks (30 seconds to 5 minutes) – Forearm, wrist and hand discomfort can be eliminated by adding 5 minutes breaks into each hour of the work day.

Breaks (5-15 minutes) – It has been suggested that the best length for infrequent rest pauses is 6 minutes every 80 minutes. For frequent breaks, consider taking 10 minute breaks each hour to promote worker comfort and accuracy.

It might take a few days to decide on a break plan, and there are some software programs out there that can help you (or your entire team) keep a schedule. RSIGuard, a PC software program, is one of the best. It suggests breaks based on work intensity and natural rest patterns and during breaks RSIGuard plays videos of suggested stretches. Breaker is a free customizable work break timer that you can also use.  For Macs, Stretch Break is compatible.

Make the Most of your Break

  • Learn to juggle or teach someone else to juggle. (No, seriously, it forces you to strengthen your posture and flex your wrist muscles.)
  • Stretch at your desk. There are a lot of YouTube videos that offer suggestions for stretching at the desk.
  • Meditate or breathe deeply. If you have a minute or two, check iTunes for a Podcast that will help you break away from work
  • Take a walk.
  • Get a drink of water.
  • Chat with a co-worker.

Remember, taking breaks will benefit your body, but they are also necessary to maintain a healthy work mentality.

Amelia Wood is a blogger and freelance writer with a background in medical coding and billing. She loves to offer advice about health and wellness, especially in an office environment. Direct any questions or comments to amelia1612@gmail.com.