Reposted from Tim Richardson

Why Taking Pauses at Work Boosts Mental Health and Productivity

“Softie.”
That’s what you were called in middle school football if you asked for a water break. At IBM, coworkers teased each other with “Talking a half day?” when someone used flex time to leave early. One leader even told me, “Vacation is for sissies,” when I mentioned the need to recharge. These attitudes may explain why the World Health Organization recently reported that one billion people around the world suffer from some form of mental illness (WHO). Anxiety and depression are widespread, cutting across every demographic and income level. They are now the second leading cause of long-term disability and create staggering economic costs. If these statistics mirror what happens in workplaces, we have a serious problem.

The Hidden Cost of Ignoring Breaks

Many employees are working too long and too hard. Vacations go unused. Even short pauses are skipped. The result is a workforce on the edge of breakdown.

Mental health impacts from nonstop work

Work-related stress is everywhere. A recent Business Management Daily survey found that 94% of workers report stress on the job. Elevated stress increases risks of heart disease, diabetes, depression, anxiety, and more.

Economic consequences for organizations

Stress drains productivity and spikes health-care costs. Companies that fail to encourage employee well-being face higher turnover, disengagement, and long-term losses.

Stress in Today’s Workplace

Recent surveys highlight the hidden ways stress shows up at work.

What recent surveys reveal

Employees are turning to mental health days, therapy, or informal conversations with managers in hopes of managing stress. Yet the numbers show the problem is still growing.

The surprising issue of “bathroom anxiety”

One survey reported by The Indian Express revealed that nearly one in ten U.S. employees considered quitting their job due to stress linked to bathroom anxiety. More than 80% of Gen Z workers admitted to experiencing this. While it may sound surprising, it underscores how deeply stress can affect daily work life.

Why Organizations Must Encourage Pauses

Stress is not a badge of honor. It is a productivity killer. Organizations must create cultures where taking a pause is encouraged.

Short breaks that restore energy

Even a few minutes away from screens can help employees reset their focus. Leaders can normalize walking meetings, hydration breaks, or quiet reflection.

Long-term benefits for employee retention and productivity

Supporting well-being increases retention, strengthens team performance, and reduces long-term costs. Building pauses into the workplace culture is an investment in both people and results.

How Leaders Can Promote Well-Being at Work

Leaders must set the tone. Encourage team members to step away from constant busyness. Celebrate vacations rather than discouraging them. Build systems that protect time for recovery.

When employees feel supported in taking pauses, they return to work energized, engaged, and ready to perform at their best.

 Reflection for Leaders: What can you do this week to create space for meaningful pauses in your organization?

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