A lot of guesswork sans technology
Even though a recent survey found Aussie entrepreneurs are tech-savvy, traces of technology were starkly missing when we asked respondents if and how they’re tracking their breaks and working hours.
But don’t we know better?
We also asked the respondents what they thought about skipping lunch.
- 50% agree skipping a proper lunch or meal break makes them less productive
- 20% state it makes them more productive
- 30% claim skipping has zero effect on productivity
Why lunch matters
The Australian Institute found lunch breaks make an employee’s day more enjoyable, which leads to a happier and more productive workplace. Taking breaks, even small ones like toilet breaks, can help to recharge your brain, relieve stress, increase energy levels and help with digestion, blood pressure and even sleep. The message here is simple: No employee should be all work and no play.
In terms of optimising workplaces, employers are ultimately responsible for their employees’ wellbeing and safety. Ensuring employees have adequate breaks to control risks and relieve fatigue can only benefit the business in the end.
That said, having the right system in place to facilitate and track employee hours and breaks is key. With TSheets, you can either use a manual timesheet or use a completely automated timesheet app solution that can be customised to track time. TSheets’ automated app lets employees instantly clock in and out from any device and location. Also, alerts can also be sent out when employees leave for a break and return to work, keeping everyone on the same page.
But employees can also do their part by making sure they rest when showing signs of being tired or under-performing at work, as it’s an important part of workplace health and safety. It’s particularly important to utilise break times when doing heavy manual labour, or tasks that are repetitive or requiring intense concentration. Check your relevant awards and workplace agreements, too, so you’re aware of your break entitlements.
*Methodology: Sample: 500 employees throughout Australia were selected and surveyed by PollFish in November 2017. designed and paid for the survey, but the respondents were not connected to TSheets, and the responses were anonymous.
†Sources for lunch break duration by country include: Greece, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom, US, Spain, and Sweeden.
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