More than ever before we hear about the challenge people are having with back to back meetings. This was a hallmark of the pandemic era and it seems to have spilled over into the hybrid world of working.
Calendar space is overcrowed. There seems to be less white space in our work and life than ever before. Well, there is proof this is having a negative impact on our brains, stress levels and wellbeing.
In 2021 Microsoft conducted some fascinating research proving our brains need breaks.
The research shows three key take-aways:
- Breaks between meetings allow the brain to “reset,” reducing a cumulative buildup of stress across meetings.
- Back-to-back meetings can decrease your ability to focus and engage.
- Transitioning between meetings can be a source of high stress.
“The average beta wave activity of those who were given breaks remained largely constant over time; the “coolness” of their stress levels is depicted here in blues and greens. Those who were deprived of breaks saw their average beta wave activity rise over time, indicating a build up of stress; this rise is depicted here with colours shifting from cool to hot.”
The insight we'd like put a spotlight on is the fact people who are deprived of breaks (at times depriving themselves) are the unfortunate beneficieries of a build up of stress. Over time if this is not addressed an individual or team are at higher risk of delibitating factors such as burnout, mental illness, disengagement, loss of work fulfillment and dare we say it 'flight risk.' People will eventually get sick and or exit the organisation.
Creating a culture where breaks, micro-recovery, deep recovery are systematically invested in has a huge payback. Benny Button's data indicates when people's wellbeing and capacity increases so to does their contribution at work and in life. It's a win-win.
The employee
A systematic approach requires everyone to play a role and be accountable. The individual must build positive habits, behaviours and resources to ensure their is white space and recovery time throughout their working day. Outside of work individuals need to be proactive in recharging their battery as opposed to self-sabitage coping mechanisms.
The Organisation
Leaders need to be conscious of how they are managing the energy of their people. Scheduling back to back meetings day after day, engaging people outside of their work hours and driving people to burnout must be a thing of the past. Having a mindset that creating space for recovery, self-care and wellbeing is good for business, is the leadership required for the future of work.
The technology
Work and life can get pretty hectic right? When it does, our wellbeing seems to drop down the priority list when in actual fact it should be right at the top. We need to keep wellbeing and self-care practices on our radar. We need to build resourcefulness over time so we can meet the modern day challenges work and life throw our way. Developing a habit of stopping to check in, focus on your wellbeing priorites and set simple and achievable actions is the key to success and capacity building.
At Benny Button we have designed Wellbeing Checkpoint to make it easier for people, leaders and organisations to keep wellbeing on the radar.
Investing in your health and wellbeing is critical. Almost everyone rates it in the top 5 most important things in their work and life.
Be kind to yourself. Take a break. Give your brain a rest and reduce your levels of stress.