Micro-breaks and psychosocial well-being at the workplace

Research case Ahrend

In the search for what well-being at the workplace is and what it hinders a connection between burnout-related symptoms, work culture and micro-breaks is found. More and more (young) working adults in the Netherlands experience burn-out-related stress symptoms. Although the focus of office environments is more focused on vitality, this trend keeps rising. Stress translates into both mental and physical complaints and can ultimately result in absenteeism.

Ahrend dedicates a significant time of its activities on research and new product development to address the changing working environments and employee behaviours that employers are confronted with. The outcomes of research may result in products that are viable to be incorporated in their product portfolio, but might as well be findings that learn us more about human behaviour and the impact of the office environment on employees. 

This study, from Technical University Delft master student Gijs Wels, has resulted in a range of interesting findings on how nudging interventions can lead to more social behaviour and thus more vital employees, which is captured in the video below.

Office and Employees

General office equipment such as ergonomic chairs and desks are designed and do a good job, but other new furniture focused on well-being, such as a nap bed, appear not to catch up. Products that focus on awareness of well-being turn out to not be sustainable or even intrusive. Employees on the other hand seem to be burdened by occupational pressure while most people are like-minded when it comes to prioritising well-being over work.

Micro-Breaks and Social Interaction

Micro-breaks are necessary for keeping a steady energy level and most importantly required during stressful periods with high workloads. During micro-breaks, it is recommended to move around to get blood circulation flowing. With a safe social context, taking breaks is normalised and awareness is created among colleagues.

Concept for creating a healthy working atmosphere

The concept of this product solution is a simplified communication tool with only one purpose, communicating micro-breaks. The tool consists of a little display and are all connected. Every workplace or employee has such a product and by connecting it to your work computer or telephone, micro-breaks can be communicated with people in the same team. Different kinds of breaks can be communicated, depending on the team and facilities of the company. When team members are invited to participate in a micro-break they can simply accept, decline, or ignore the invitation. 

The concept aims to bring structure to taking breaks in a work environment and provides reminders during busy and stressful periods. In addition, the solution supports social interactions to lower the threshold for taking breaks. Ultimately to create a healthy working atmosphere in various environments. The results of this research project are promising. The proof of concept is reflected well by the desirability, viability and feasibility of the product.

For more information on Ahrend’s mission, check their website and download their whitepaper on Vitalising Workspaces: Ahrend | Vitalising workspaces

Desirability

Users believe that the concept provides social awareness in the workplace.

Viability

Intrusive traits of the product are minimised, and the experience of the product is focused on control and autonomic decision-making to aim for sustainability.

Feasibility

A physical and digital prototype are created and tested with the users.

However, more iterations regarding the final concept should be done before entering the market. Research focusing on the implementation of the product in the office environment could support the findings of this project. How is the device connected to the relevant employees and team(member)s?

Overall, the concept contributes to an increase in micro-breaks and social interactions.