Recess at Work Day Date in the current year: June 19, 2025

Many people, employers and employees alike, underestimate the importance of breaks for productivity, performance, and well-being. Although it may seem that the fewer breaks we take, the more we can achieve during work hours, this approach is incorrect. Our brains have limited capacity for sustained attention and need breaks to reset and maintain focus.

Working continuously without breaks or switching between tasks impairs our ability to concentrate, process information, and make sound decisions. Short breaks help reset our attention, making it easier to return to tasks with renewed focus and efficiency. Breaks also lower stress levels by giving the mind time to relax, which can prevent anxiety and emotional exhaustion.

Breaks also boost creativity by allowing space for new ideas to form. When you step away from a task, especially one that requires creativity or problem solving, your subconscious mind uses this time to process the task without the active involvement of your conscious mind. This often results in “Eureka!” moments and more original solutions.

Physically, extended periods of sitting or repetitive motions can cause strain and discomfort and may lead to chronic health issues. Taking brief, regular movement breaks improves circulation, reduces muscle tension, and decreases the risk of conditions such as back pain and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Taking regular breaks is beneficial not only for individual employees, but also for the team as a whole. Casual conversations during breaks can strengthen relationships, improve communication, and foster a more supportive work environment. These factors contribute to better team cohesion and a healthier organizational culture.

Finally, breaks contribute to job satisfaction and employee retention. Employees who feel that their well-being is valued are more likely to remain engaged, motivated, and committed to their roles. This can lead to lower turnover and better overall performance across the organization.

Rich DiGirolamo, a dynamic conference speaker and corporate motivator who specializes in team-building and creative engagement sessions, created Recess at Work Day in 2004. DiGirolamo believed that, in order to be productive, happy, and loyal, employees needed to enjoy the workplace. Thus, he introduced Recess at Work Day to boost morale, enhance well-being, and foster a healthier, more energized workforce. This day strengthens team spirit, sparks innovation, and gives employees a much-needed mental reset. It can also contribute to better employee retention, which improves customer loyalty.

The idea behind Recess at Work Day is to take a break from the normal routine, even if only for part of the day. Examples include holding work meetings in a new setting, organizing a team-building event or outdoor activity, having a picnic, inviting a guest speaker, doing community work or volunteering with coworkers, taking a fitness class together, going out for ice cream or coffee, etc.