The importance of taking effective microbreaks at work

"The more movement that you do, the better, so we would encourage people to do a walk as opposed to just stand."

Daniel Johnson for

ABC

28 October 2026

7 min read

Caption:Combining short breaks with an intentional focus on organising work tasks can help people better regulate their energy levels.Photo credit:Unsplash

Do you ever feel unmotivated, unfocused or low on energy at work? One solution may lie not only in taking regular short breaks, but also in using them as well as possible.

Taking small pauses — or micro-breaks — and combining them with meaningful organising strategies can improve productivity, boost mental wellbeing and help people better manage energy levels.

Stacey Parker, an associate professor from the University of Queensland's School of Psychology in Brisbane/Meanjin, led a recent study involving 91 participants and analysing more than 600 work hours that examined different approaches to managing energy levels at work, and the effect those approaches have on staff wellbeing, motivation and stress.

Coupling a short break with meaningful organising, such as planning or updating to-do lists, is an example of active strategising.

Small acts of resistance known as "micro-feminism" can help women feel empowered at work.