We all need breaks at work to thrive – even managers and business owners! When you skip breaks, or witness your staff doing so, it can quickly snowball into an unhealthy habit if unmanaged.
According to research from Mastercard and YouGov, fewer than half of UK adults take regular work breaks. A significant number work through their work breaks, with estimates suggesting 50-80% of employees work through their lunchtimes or take a shorter break than entitled.
Discover the laws you and your people should be aware of when it comes to work breaks in the UK, the consequences of not taking work breaks and how you can encourage your people to ensure they take space away from their workstation.
Workplace break laws
The legislation that governs an employee’s break entitlement at work is the 1998 Working Time Regulations. That, together with their contract of employment, determines what they’re entitled to—and how long for.
In general, all employees over 18 have the right to:
• 11 consecutive hours’ rest in any 24 hours - Daily rest.
• At least 20 minutes' break when they work for more than six hours (although you may allow for longer or more frequent breaks) - Rest breaks at work.
• Not work more than 48 hours per week on average (but employees may ‘opt-out’ of this to work longer hours) - Weekly rest.
• Limiting their normal working hours to an average of eight hours in any 24 hours (applicable to night workers).
A survey of 1,700 employees conducted by the National Charity Partnership in 2016 found up to 70% spend their allocated rest periods at work at their desks.
Of this figure, 24% admitted to working during this period—the other 46% admitted to browsing the internet.
There are regulations in place that govern your employees’ rights to appropriate breaks at work. They’re entitled to three different types of rest periods, which are:
• Rest breaks at work.
• Daily rest.
• Weekly rest.
As well as the morale and productivity of your workforce, the effects of regular breaks (or the lack thereof) may also reflect on mental health in the workplace.
Break times at work and mental health – why it’s important
It’s not uncommon for some staff members to spend their lunch breaks at their desks. While it may seem like a good idea at the time, not taking breaks at work can end up having negative effects on their physical and mental wellbeing.
The first and most common effect on your employees’ mental health is an increase in:
• Anxiety attacks.
• Burnouts.
• Breakdowns.
• Stress.
• Other mild cognitive impairments.
Smoking breaks at work
When it comes to work and smoke breaks, there is an obvious disparity created between employees. A debate on whether smokers are allowed additional breaks emerges, and how it will directly affect production and morale.
Currently, there is no legal right to "smoking breaks" in the UK. However, the law requires adult employees who work more than six hours to receive one uninterrupted rest break of at least 20 minutes (which can be used for smoking, coffee, or lunch).
It’s worth noting that as an employer, you can legally ban smoking on-site, and instead designate smoking areas outside of the building.
Benefits of regular breaks and rest periods at work
We’ve established that working through break times when working can cause stress, fatigue and other issues that can affect mental health in the workplace.
Taking breaks at work benefits you and your staff. By encouraging them to take regular rest periods, you’re creating better employees.
From a boost in productivity to improved mental wellbeing, it has many research-backed health, wellness and performance advantages. Other benefits include:
• A more engaged workforce.
• Increased productivity and performance.
• Reduced injuries in physically demanding roles.
• A boost in creativity.
• Reduced presenteeism and absenteeism.
• Improved job satisfaction.
