Research Uncovers Two Effective Strategies to Combat Workplace Fatigue

In many jobs, it often seems like the workday isn’t long enough, but a recent study highlights two effective methods to fight fatigue: taking frequent microbreaks and receiving support from a supervisor.

Researchers from Wake Forest University, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), and Northeastern University in the US conducted the study, which may determine whether your afternoon at work feels draining or energizing.

Maximizing Workplace Energy

The study revealed that taking microbreaks and receiving supervisor support reduced end-of-day fatigue while improving sleep quality and energy levels the following day. Combining both strategies yielded the most significant benefits in combating tiredness.

Simple Strategies for Reducing Fatigue

“Microbreaks are an easy and cost-efficient way to manage fatigue, particularly during periods of heavy workloads,” explains Lindsay Andiola from VCU’s School of Business. “Additionally, support from supervisors is crucial in reducing fatigue.”

“Combined, these two strategies provide the greatest relief for professionals navigating busy seasons or high-stress work periods.“

The researchers surveyed 44 accountants about their work routines and later conducted a controlled experiment on fatigue and microbreaks with 179 additional participants.

Both microbreaks and consistent supervisor support were found to alleviate fatigue. Among working accountants, these interventions were particularly effective during the busiest times of the year, indicating they’re most beneficial under high-stress conditions.

The follow-up experiments also revealed that microbreaks improved accuracy during audits—a key benefit, as audit quality often declines when accounting firms face intense pressure.

“Public accountants regularly face deadline pressures, long hours, and heavy workloads,” the researchers note in their published paper. “These demands result in high levels of fatigue and burnout, which can harm audit quality in the short term and increase staff turnover in the long term.”

Quick Breaks and Supportive Leadership

Microbreaks can be as brief as a minute, the researchers suggest. This might involve reading a short news article, grabbing a coffee, or doing some quick stretches. Supervisor support, on the other hand, could include checking in with employees, offering assistance, or showing appreciation for their efforts.

Although most employees have little influence over their manager’s actions, many can take steps to manage their fatigue by finding ways to incorporate brief moments of downtime into their workday. While the study didn’t explore the ideal timing for microbreaks, its findings were based on breaks as short as one minute.

“By adopting these strategies, organizations can improve employee well-being and audit quality, creating a more sustainable and productive workplace,” the researchers conclude.

Read the original article on: Science Alert

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