Resting For Performance

Studies show that when people pause to rest from extended activities,  their subsequent performance gets better.  This should not come as a surprise to us since we know from experience that  the more we work continuously,  the more our performance suffers.  By pausing  I’m not referring to the so-called coffee-break or time to socialize or to do personal tasks. In fact the laws in Puerto Rico do not require a coffee break, although some companies provide it. I’m talking about real break on productive activities.

According to a recent article in the Harvard Business Review, the evidence on the benefits of napping at work is overwhelming. These breaks have multiple positive effects on  the management of productive activities. Resting not only helps restore a person  physically but it also improves the perceptual and motor skills, speeds up  reaction time and alert and provides  a source of competitive advantage. Unfortunately, the author argues, most corporate cultures are still addicted to the ethics of larger and faster and  until companies see through this myth, there will be no real change.