‘Feelings of guilt’ stopping workers from taking their breaks during business hours

New research has revealed that a number of Aussie workers opt out of taking their regular breaks during business hours – impacting productivity and outcomes.

A study from COS has revealed a growing disconnect between workers and their regular breaks during the day – with 28 per cent claiming they don’t ever take a break. According to the research, regardless of industry, gender, and location, a variety of workers opted to skip out on their breaks.

Workers cited time pressures, workload, and even feelings of guilt as key factors for not taking their breaks during business hours – factors that slowly take a toll on an employee’s wellbeing and overall productivity.

Being influenced by colleagues is also a key factor in workers taking breaks, with 21 per cent stating that in a supportive workplace culture, they would be more inclined to take breaks.

Daily breaks deliver key benefits to workers, with those who take them reporting higher efficiency (29 per cent), lower stress levels (27 per cent), and improved quality of work (25 per cent).

According to Amie Lyone, co-chief executive of COS, removing barriers to workers opting out of their breaks is crucial to improving individual productivity and overall business outcomes.

“We want to help remove these barriers and create spaces that support people to take better, more meaningful breaks – not just for their own wellbeing, but because it genuinely helps teams work better,” Lyone said.

“Whilst endorsing breaks and integrating this more meaningfully into the workplace culture is easy to execute, the thought of how creating quality rest areas can also be overwhelming.”

COS offered simple strategies on how businesses and organisations can better encourage their workers to take their needed breaks.

• Designated zones for relaxation

Create specific areas designed solely for relaxation, away from the usual hustle of the office. These zones should be equipped with comfortable seating, calming décor, and plants to enhance the atmosphere. This ensures employees can truly disconnect from their workstations.

• Quiet zones for focused breaks

Having a “quiet zone” specifically for employees who need a peaceful space to read or meditate during their break is really impactful. Soft lighting, noise-reducing elements, and cozy furniture help to provide a calm atmosphere. This type of serene environment is effective for mental relaxation and improves focus after a break.

• Social and casual gathering areas

Rest areas can include comfortable lounge spaces with sofas and small tables where employees can engage with each other informally. This promotes a sense of community and collaboration outside of the formal work environment.

• Healthy snack stations

Offering a variety of healthy snacks like fresh fruit, nuts, and granola, along with herbal teas and water stations, helps to maintain staff energy levels, as well as promoting a culture of wellbeing.

• Meeting charters

A clear meeting charter helps teams avoid back-to-back meetings and build in quiet times into the day. It sets healthy boundaries, reduces meeting fatigue, and gives staff space to reset and refocus – supporting both wellbeing and productivity.

“These don’t have to be big, costly changes – small steps can go a long way in helping people recharge and perform at their best. When your people feel refreshed, your business performs better. That’s the simple truth behind meaningful breaks,” Lyone said.