Do you ensure workplace saftey by enforcing break time?

In order to fit more work into the day and finish quicker, employees are working through the day without taking breaks. While this sounds like a logical plan it actually hinders work more than it helps. Getting on the good side of one’s boss by appearing to work harder sounds good in theory but in practice it poses a serious risk of injury.

In a recent study, 2600 employees were surveyed and 25% of them did not take breaks periodically throughout the day. The study claimed, poor work habits -- such as not taking sufficient breaks, working in the same position for extended periods, going to work when ill or stressed, and not getting enough exercise -- pose serious health risks that can add up to huge costs for employers. Costs such as: workers comp, employees missing work and increased insurance rates due to injury are a financial burden in a time when companies are trying to save money. These can be prevented simply by encouraging good work habits.

Offering and enforcing break time is one work habit that definitely needs to be encouraged. In the study of 2600, more than a third of the survey respondents (36%) said they regularly worked through their lunch break while nearly a quarter (23%) said they took no lunch break at all. Most states require at least a 30 minute lunch break based on the number of hours worked. By allowing the body time to rest during the day you can prevent common workplace injuries.

Also noted in the survey was, approximately 54% of workers said they always or usually go to work when they feel stressed or physically unwell with 31% experiencing physical pain and 42 percent feeling stressed at least once a week. 46% of workers said their physical pains were due to working in the same position for a long time. The numbers show the potential risk employees are doing to themselves and the company. In the end it’s not just themselves they are hurting but your company as well.

Do you encourage your employees to take their full lunch and break? Comment Below.