Can Taking More Breaks Actually Boost Productivity?

D’Loraine here, Girlboss’ contributing writer. 👋

When I used to work in print publishing, I’d clock ridiculous hours to get a magazine out the door. So naturally, my teammates and I would indulge in a little fun on the daily: a much-needed LOL sesh, a mini stretch break, impromptu runs to the McDonald's around the corner for a pick-me-up cone... 🍦 Much to the dismay of others in the office, I’m sure. 😒

Some would probably say we were screwing around at work, but in reality, these mini breaks were our way of coping with the stresses of the job. And you know what?! We never missed a damn deadline. 😤👏

As it turns out, Gen Z is adopting this exact practice in the workplace these days, which now has a name: micro joys. 🤗 Today, we’re unpacking everything you need to know about these little bursts of enjoyment that can lead to better productivity.

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Can Dilly Dallying Help With Productivity? Gen Z Thinks So

Ever feel like you're running on empty by 3 p.m.? 🫩⛽ Turns out, you might need to start embracing the practice of ✨micro joys✨, babe. And Slice Soda—yes, the prebiotic pop brand—agrees.

Last month, the company surveyed 501 Gen Z respondents, ages 18 to 25, who are currently interning or have been interns within the last five years.

📊 Here’s what they found:

77% said they intentionally build mini moments of enjoyment into their shift
79% said taking brief breaks makes their 9-to-5 more enjoyable
75% stated that breaks help them perform better at their jobs

Which is where the concept of micro joys comes in.

🤷‍♀️ So what’s a micro joy?

According to Slice Soda, a micro joy is a small moment that makes the work grind “more enjoyable, productive and sustainable.” 😌 It can be anything, from taking five minutes between meetings, chatting with your colleagues, or simply getting up for a little treat. Don’t mind if we do!

🤔 But do they actually work?

Given the study was performed by a beverage company (who obviously recommends their own soda as one of the micro joys), it's only natural to view this trend with a healthy dose of skepticism. 🔍 But when you think about it, partaking in little breaks to refresh the mind isn’t that much different than many beloved productivity methods, like the Pomodoro technique, dopamine anchoring, or even going on a little walk to clear your head and reset. 🌳

💼 CEOs do it, too

As writer Bruce Crumley points out in this Inc.com article, C-suiters have been embracing the micro joy for, basically, forever. The piece cited a recent blog post by Korn Ferry, a consulting firm, which stated that “successful people in all walks of life have small habits or rituals that they use to enhance performance—and CEOs are no different.”

Some examples? Forest bathing, giving yourself a pep talk, and hand-writing thank-you notes. “Whatever forms they take, those habits seek to break up work and refresh the minds and emotions of CEOs, who perform better as a result,” Crumley wrote.

📋 A list of micro joys to try for yourself

So when the much-dreaded 3 p.m. slump hits, here are some delightful, refreshing micro joys to keep in your back pocket.

Step outside for a walk
Take a moment to journal
Chat with a coworker
Go on a fun drink/treat run
Do some gentle stretches
Work on a crossword puzzle or Sudoku
Listen to a guided meditation

Feeling like micro joys alone just won't cut it? We got workplace expert Jennifer Moss to break down why workplace burnout is on the rise. Spoiler: Self-care alone isn’t gonna solve it.

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