Short work breaks do not prevent mental fatigue or increase efficiency – study

The researchers simulated an office-like environment for a day where the men completed nine cognitive tasks over a seven-hour period.

Work breaks do not make employees more efficient, research suggests (Lauren Hurley/PA)

Taking regular short breaks during work does not prevent mental fatigue or make employees more efficient, research suggests.

A study that simulated an office day involving various cognitive tasks showed that healthy men who took a 10-minute break every 50 minutes were more likely to experience mental exhaustion.