The Link between Taking Breaks and Productivity
To illustrate the causal link between taking a break and productivity, consider the results of research that was carried out to examine altruism - or the regard for others as a principle of action. Two groups of college students were asked to walk across a quadrangle with the intent of listening to a lecture. Group A was directed to attend when there was time, throughout the day. Group B were given a limited time frame of a few minutes to get there. As the attendees from group A were arriving they came across a needy bystander and each individual rendered useful, creative assistance. The second 'pressured' group B rushed past the needy bystander - almost knocking them over - oblivious to the fact they were instrumental to the research. Basic management principle: you can't be satisfactorily productive without adequate time and or resources.
Healthcare is stressful and challenging when dealing with the onslaught of limitless tasks such as quarrelsome family, accepting gracious requests from allied health or meekly taking orders (and criticism) from superiors checking duty statements. Constant overwork can feel like a relentless attack producing defensive results. The tongue is one of the smallest organs in the body and yet causes the most damage at work, when staff aren't rested. We are trained not to be defensive because it counteracts trust and effective communication. Simply asking for assistance or advice about prioritizing work tasks indicates to an employer there's too much to cope with. Working at a steady pace with regular breaks signifies good, caring management and the results show in the satisfaction of customers and staff. Dividing tasks fairly and re-deploying allocated staff to assist in areas of need reduces a pressure cooker environment. Of course there's the added 'bonus' of rostering problems if staff are attitudinal and resist direction of authority - making working life tougher for all.
There was a wise, humble nun at one particular work place who had the knack of calming the waves. She gently encouraged staff to sit, listen and rest, especially when feeling burdened or uptight from not having a break. This simple act of resting reduced adrenalin, decreased defensiveness, increased reflection and produced circumspect words. "Forgive us our trespasses" was her catch-cry. She encouraged staff to leave post-it notes with that message (and a crying face, followed by a smiley one) if someone felt their productivity - and morale - had suffered and impacted on others due to busy schedules and skipping breaks. Missing breaks is inevitable at times but we need to exhibit a forgiving attitude if productivity requires 'maintenance'. Lastly, there's the reminder or story of two teenagers who stole the keys to dads car. The speedy joy ride ended in tragedy, with one male killed in the crash. The guy responsible nervously attended his best mates funeral. When he arrived, the sombre gathering just looked at him, however the mother of the deceased walked over and gave him a hug.
