Make sure staff take breaks, bosses told

Employers are being warned of the dangers of staff working all day without taking a break.

New research by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) found that one in four people regularly work all day without a break and could be putting their health at risk.

The CSP said insufficient break time, or working in the same position for extended periods of time pose serious health risks which could cause costs for employers.

Some 36% of employees regularly work through their lunch break, while 23% often take no break at all.

Of those forgoing breaks, half said it was because they have too much work to do, while 31% said the company was short staffed.

Phil Gray, chief executive of the CSP, said: "Physiotherapists are concerned that overworking and not taking breaks is actually costing employers and their staff.

“Employees pay the price with their health and there is a cost to employers in reduced productivity and performance. Work is good for us and can contribute to physical and mental well-being, but not when overworking means people don't have the time or energy to look after their own health or when staff are at work but are not fit for work.”

Ben Willmott, of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), said the findings should ring alarm bells for employers.

“Employers should ensure their line managers have the people management skills to prevent pressure becoming stress and to identify the early warning signs if people are struggling to cope at work,” he said.

“Organisations that support employee wellbeing through providing flexible working and encouraging and supporting staff to make healthier choices over diet and exercise will also benefit from a more resilient and productive workforce."

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