A study from US universities found that microbreaks and supervisory support help stave off work fatigue.
Specifically, they were most effective during the busiest time of the year and boosted worker performance during crucial periods.
The researchers wrote that implementing these strategies can foster “a more sustainable and productive work environment.”
Microbreaks and supervisory support against work fatigue
Breaks are more powerful than we realize.
Even a 1-2 minute microbreak can restore focus and boost mood—especially if it involves nature.
Want to supercharge it? Take your break with someone you like and fully unplug (yes, leave your phone behind). A 10-minute walk outside,… pic.twitter.com/TCocqxJcCd
— Daniel Pink (@DanielPink) January 22, 2025
Wake Forest University, Northeastern University, and Virginia Commonwealth University examined the impact of microbreaks and supervisor support.
Microbreaks are brief intervals that “shift their attention away from work tasks to promote recovery.”
They can be as short as a minute and involve other activities like drinking coffee or reading short articles.
Supervisory support involves supervisors helping employees and showing care and appreciation.
For example, a supervisor can check in with colleagues, offer help, and commend them for their efforts.
The researchers surveyed 44 accountants regarding their work habits. Then, they conducted a controlled experiment on fatigue and microbreaks with 179 volunteers.
As mentioned, microbreaks and regular supervisory support reduced work fatigue.
The study’s initial participants were public accountants, so it explored their impact on their work performance.
Specifically, both methods boosted accountant accuracy when performing audits, which typically declines during high-pressure periods.
“Public accountants routinely experience and struggle with deadline pressures, long hours and significant workloads,” wrote the researchers in their published paper.
“These job demands lead to high levels of fatigue and burnout, which can adversely affect audit quality in the short term and increase turnover in the long term.”
“By implementing these strategies, firms can enhance both employee well-being and audit quality, ultimately fostering a more sustainable and productive work environment.”
These findings can help Filipino industries, especially accounting, one of the country’s most promising economic drivers.