How to Create Productive Downtime

Creating productive downtime is not only beneficial for the employees themselves but also for employers.

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What is productive downtime at work, and how do you create it for employees? originally appeared on Quora, the place to gain and share knowledge, empowering people to learn from others and better understand the world.

Productive downtime is the time we spend taking breaks at work to recharge and rejuvenate. Productive downtime can significantly impact employee productivity, creativity, and overall well-being. Studies have shown that taking breaks during the workday can help improve focus, reduce stress, and increase happiness.

For example, a study conducted by the University of Illinois found that taking short breaks during the workday can help employees maintain focus and avoid fatigue. Similarly, a study by the American Psychological Association found that taking breaks can help reduce stress levels and increase job satisfaction.

Creating productive downtime is not only beneficial for the employees themselves but also for employers who want to maximize performance and foster better work experiences.

But watch out for productivity guilt—a feeling of guilt or anxiety that arises when employees take breaks. If employees recognize the importance of downtime to avoid overworking themselves, and employers promote a workplace culture that encourages taking breaks, we can mitigate productivity guilt.

It’s relatively easy to create the space for downtime. Here are some simple practices you can implement today:

Make taking a break socially acceptable

In some workplace cultures, there can be a stigma around taking breaks, with the belief that it indicates a lack of productivity or dedication. To combat this, employers can actively promote the idea that taking breaks is not only acceptable but necessary for optimal performance. Managers can model this behavior by taking breaks themselves and encouraging their teams to do the same. By normalizing breaks as an important part of the workday, employers can help create a work environment that prioritizes productivity and well-being.

Build downtime into your schedule

Many meetings are automatically scheduled for a half or full hour, even if the agenda could be covered in less time. By setting default meeting times to 25 or 45 minutes, you can create a culture that enables breaks and values efficiency/time management.

Create intentional moments for people to disconnect

Adding team builders and scheduled socials throughout the week can encourage downtime and foster team connection. Company- sponsored events such as building terrariums, mocktail tastings, or guided meditation help people refresh and recharge without risking productivity guilt and show the company is actively combating burnout.

This question originally appeared on Quora.