As mentioned in the previous article, it is all too common for workers to work through the day without a proper break. But skipping rest doesn’t just hurt your productivity, it can damage your health, safety, and wellbeing.
Whether you’re working on-site, in an office, on a zero-hours contract, or remotely from home, taking breaks isn’t a favour from management, it’s a legal right, and a trade union and WEU priority!!
Why You Should Take Breaks, Even Short Ones
Breaks are not just “nice to have”, they are a proven way to keep your performance sharp and your health intact. Research consistently shows that short, regular breaks throughout the day can:
• Improve your concentration and output
• Lower stress and prevent burnout
• Spark creativity and problem-solving
• Protect your physical and mental wellbeing
Stephen Morris, General Secretary of the Workers of England Union really summed it up well when he said
“Taking a break isn’t a worker being lazy, it’s essential to a working day. How can a worker perform at their best when feeling exhausted and tired. Working without rest puts safety and wellbeing at risk but working with scheduled breaks can help the employer achieve much more. Higher productivity and improved staff morale”
Even a brief step away from your workstation, be it a screen, vehicle, or shop floor—can reset your focus. Taking breaks isn’t selfish but it’s how you stay fit to do your job safely and sustainably. So if you are struggling to take a break then the WEU has some guidance for you.
How to Take Short, Effective Breaks – WEU Guidance
Schedule Them: Start your day by planning your breaks like meetings. They’re part of your working structure.
Watch Your Energy: When your focus dips, take that as a signal, it’s time to pause, even for 3–5 minutes.
Try different approaches to work (if possible): Work in focused 25-minute blocks, followed by 5-minute breaks. After four blocks, take a longer break of 15–30 minutes.
Team Up: Where possible, coordinate with colleagues to encourage and protect each other’s break times. Solidarity works.
Use Reminders: A phone alert or desktop app can help keep breaks regular, especially on busy days.
Track the Benefits: Notice how much better you feel and perform after a proper break, it can reinforce the habit of taking a break.
Quick Break Ideas and suggestions
• Stretch your neck, shoulders, or legs
• Take a short walk or get some air
• Do a short breathing or mindfulness exercise
• Grab a drink, hydrate, or eat a healthy snack
• Engage in a small creative activity, draw, knit, or jot down a few thoughts
• Speak to a colleague or simply check in with someone, a quick chat can lift your mood
According to different websites, microbreaks are thought to help workers cope with long periods at their desks by taking the strain off certain body structures. These include such as the neck and back. That is just as true on the factory floor as it is in front of a computer.
Your Employment Right to Rest in England during work
Under the Working Time Regulations 1998, you are legally entitled to rest, no matter your job title, contract type, or employer is. This includes:
During the Day
• If you work over 6 hours a day, you have the legal right to a 20-minute uninterrupted break, away from your workstation. This break must not be at the very start or end of your shift.
Between Working Days
• You are entitled to 11 hours of rest between finishing one working day and starting the next.
During the Week
• You must have 24 hours of rest every 7 days, or 48 hours every 14 days (which can be split into two 24-hour periods).
Additional and Compensatory Breaks
Employers can and should offer longer breaks, such as lunch hours or additional time where needed. If you do physically demanding and repetitive, night, or high-risk work, or if you have a disability, you are entitled to reasonable adjustments, including extra rest.
If your job sometimes prevents normal rest periods due to shift patterns or emergencies, your employer must give you compensatory rest, this is not optional.
If You’re Not Getting the Breaks You Deserve
Trade union and WEU members should never have to fight for basic rights alone. If you’re being denied your breaks:
• Start by raising the issue with your employer directly or via your WEU Union rep
• You can file a grievance through your internal procedures
• Report serious breaches to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or your local authority
• If necessary, make a claim to an employment tribunal after discussion with the WEU office who can support you through this process
Please always remember:
Regular breaks are not a perk, they are an employment right. They protect your safety, support your performance, and help build a healthier, more respectful working environment. Trade unions and the WEU have fought hard to secure and maintain these employment rights, don’t give them up!!
Why not try different patterns and see what fits your role, but whatever you do: don’t skip your breaks. You’ve earned them. You need them. And you’re entitled to them.