Why 20% of workers don't feel safe in their workplace
NEW RESEARCH REVEALS MORE THAN A QUARTER OF AUSTRALIAN EMPLOYEES DON’T EVER TAKE A BREAK
COS highlights the importance of employees feeling like they can take breaks, and tips to having quality rest areas
The Australian Retailers Association recently proposed changes to workplace legislation, and the unions’ outraged response, claiming these edits would lead to ‘the disappearance of the rest break’, has made the topic a trending issue within business communities.
New research commissioned by COS – an Australian-owned and operated company offering workplace product solutions – surveyed over 1,000 Australian workers and uncovered that more than a quarter of employees (28%) don’t ever take a break during business hours.
Interestingly, the sentiment was similar across industries, genders, and locations around Australia. However, Gen Z were notably more likely to take breaks daily (84%) compared to any other age group (Millennials at 72% and Boomers at 65%). Employers also reported taking more breaks than their employees, with 82% stating they take pauses during the day, compared to 72% of employees doing the same.
Workers who took breaks each day noted numerous benefits, including feeling more productive (29%), being generally less stressed (27%), and producing higher-quality work (25%).
Given these numerous benefits, the prevalent question is: why aren’t more staff taking advantage of their allocated break periods?
The leading reasons reported were; ‘being too busy to stop’ (42%), with the belief that the more breaks they took, the longer they would have to work after hours; ‘working hard to leave earlier in order to leverage flexible working hours’ (22%); and not wanting to be ‘judged by their colleagues for seeming lazy’ (16%).
On the findings, Co-CEO of COS, Belinda Lyone, says, “Neglecting breaks can have profound negative effects on both a person’s well-being and overall performance. Continuously pushing through without taking pauses can lead to burnout – a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion characterised by decreased motivation, increased cynicism, and reduced productivity. It’s important for staff at all levels to prioritise time to rest and recharge, not only for themselves, but also to set an example for others.”
This idea of being influenced by colleagues is also reflected in the data, with the findings revealing that employees would be more likely to take their breaks if there was a more supportive workplace culture (21%), dedicated rest areas in the office (21%), and encouragement from the leadership team (20%).
Belinda adds, “Whilst endorsing breaks and integrating this more meaningfully into the workplace culture is easy to execute, many companies get overwhelmed at the thought of how to create quality rest areas. It doesn’t need to be difficult or too time-consuming, and here is how we’ve integrated this into our workplace at COS.”
- Designated zones for relaxation
Create specific areas designed solely for relaxation, away from the usual hustle of the office. These zones are equipped with comfortable seating, calming décor, and plants to enhance the atmosphere. This ensures employees can truly disconnect from their workstations.
- Quiet zones for focused breaks
Having a “quiet zone” specifically for employees who need a peaceful space to read or meditate during their break, is really impactful. Soft lighting, noise-reducing elements, and cozy furniture help to provide a calm atmosphere. This type of serene environment is effective for mental relaxation and improves focus after a break.
- Social and casual gathering areas
Rest areas can include comfortable lounge spaces with sofas and small tables where employees can engage with each other informally. This promotes a sense of community and collaboration outside of the formal work environment.
- Healthy snack station
Offering a variety of healthy snacks like fresh fruit, nuts, and granola, along with herbal teas and water stations, helps to maintain staff energy levels, as well as promoting a culture of well-being.
- Promoting work-life balance through flexible break times
At COS, we’ve implemented flexible break times where employees can pause whenever they need it, rather than adhering to a strict schedule. This fosters an environment where employees feel trusted and valued, leading to lower stress levels and better performance.
Belinda concludes, “Placing more emphasis on creating a functional, comfortable, and thoughtful rest break area can significantly improve employee well-being, productivity, and overall company culture, so it’s important that all staff and businesses treat this matter seriously.”
For more information on COS, visit: https://www.cos.net.au/
