Work Break Exercises Boost Efficiency by 15%
Are you rushing through work all day, feeling dizzy and overwhelmed? Do you easily snap at coworkers? Perhaps you need to take a brief moment to move. According to a report by MSNBC in the U.S., British researchers found that exercising during work hours not only improves efficiency but also reduces work stress.
This study was led by Professor Jim McKenna of the University of Leeds’ School of Exercise and Health Sciences. Researchers selected 200 employees from a university, a computer company, and a life insurance firm. Participants could choose whether to exercise during breaks, then completed a questionnaire to assess links between exercise and work performance and mood.
Results showed that 60% reported improved time management, mental clarity, and task completion ability on days they exercised during breaks, resulting in a 15% overall increase in work efficiency. The findings were presented at a recent conference of the American College of Sports Medicine.
The benefits of exercise on productivity were independent of intensity or duration. Participants could choose any preferred activity—most opted for 30–60 minutes of exercise after lunch, including yoga, aerobic training, strength exercises, or basketball—all yielding similar benefits.
Participants rated their moods in the morning and afternoon. As Professor McKenna anticipated, exercise improved their emotional state. In group discussions, many said it helped them better handle work challenges and pressure. “After exercising, people became more tolerant toward themselves and work, less prone to anger, shouting at colleagues, or slamming phones.” Post-exercise afternoon fatigue was also reduced. Moreover, employees felt more satisfied with their day’s work upon returning home.
Public health experts emphasize that integrating exercise into work routines greatly benefits health. Even short bursts—like a few minutes of brisk walking or taking stairs instead of elevators—can provide tangible benefits. McKenna hopes his findings will encourage companies to offer exercise opportunities, such as inviting yoga instructors to lead sessions in meeting rooms or building fully equipped gyms. “This not only boosts employee morale but also reduces absenteeism-related losses.”