Microbreaks key to boosting energy and motivation at work, study finds
Employees who incorporate microbreaks alongside work-related strategies into their workday are more motivated and energized, University of Queensland research has found.
A recent study from the University of Queensland reveals that incorporating microbreaks alongside work strategies can significantly boost employees' motivation and energy levels. Led by Associate Professor Stacey Parker, the research involved office workers wearing heart rate monitors and completing surveys throughout the day to measure psychological and physiological responses.
Microbreaks, such as short walks or brief chats with colleagues, were found to work best when combined with meaningful work organization. This active strategy was observed in only 6% of the 600+ work hours studied, compared to passive task-focused approaches. The study categorized employees into five common energy-management profiles, with only around 25% classified as effective strategists.
By combining restorative activities with work-focused strategies, even within a single work hour, employees can experience benefits for both well-being and performance. These findings could help organizations design effective well-being initiatives and create healthier workplaces, providing practical guidance for improved energy levels, motivation, and stress management at work.
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