Small Breaks, Big Impact: How Microbreaks Improve Safety and Performance
A structured microbreak program piloted in office and factory settings shows measurable gains in comfort, productivity, and employee engagement—without disrupting workflow.
- By Carrie Taylor
- Jun 19, 2025
Whether sitting at a computer, standing on a line, or repeatedly lifting from a pallet, workers across industries know the toll repetitive motion and awkward posture can take. Minor aches at the end of the day often signal a growing problem: musculoskeletal strain from continuous or poorly designed tasks.
To combat this, ergonomists emphasize that jobs should be designed for people, not the other way around. But even in imperfect environments, small changes can make a meaningful impact. One of the simplest? Microbreaks.
The Power of a Pause
Microbreaks—short, intentional breaks taken during the workday—may include brief stretches, posture resets, or low-effort movements. Unlike traditional stretching programs, which have been met with mixed success, recent evidence points toward resistance-based movement as a more effective tool in preventing injury.
According to the Institute for Work and Health, resistance training outperforms stretching alone in reducing strain-related injuries. Building on that insight, ergonomics consultancy Taylor’d Ergonomics developed a new workplace wellness initiative, dubbed the "Move-it" program, which centers around structured microbreaks tailored for real job conditions.
From Concept to Pilot
Taylor’d Ergonomics designed over 50 movements categorized across five essential fitness domains: strength, flexibility, mobility, balance, and vision. The activities are designed to be simple, discrete, and inclusive, requiring no props, special equipment, or floor exercises. All movements can be done while seated or standing, minimizing disruption to workflows and maximizing participation.
The program was piloted in both an office setting and a factory. Each site adopted its prompting strategy:
In offices, a team “champion” emailed two activity prompts daily.
In the factory, posters were updated in high-traffic areas, and group sessions were led during shift changeovers.
The Results
The outcomes were compelling:
Microbreak frequency increased significantly.
End-of-shift comfort improved across all body areas, with notable gains in shoulders and elbows.
In the factory setting:
Self-rated productivity rose from 8.32 to 9.53 out of 10
Self-rated work quality increased from 8.42 to 9.37
Employee engagement (measured as intention to stay) improved from 8.26 to 9.28
The Bigger Picture
Imagine a workplace initiative that boosts productivity by 15%, improves quality by 11%, and reduces turnover by 12%—all with zero downtime. That’s the potential of a well-implemented microbreak strategy.
To build on success, Taylor’d Ergonomics has since added “champion training”, equipping employee leaders to support engagement, customize movements, and maintain program momentum.
Tool for Health & Safety Leaders
Carrie Taylor, founder of Taylor’d Ergonomics, notes that while job redesign remains the gold standard, programs like Move-it can be powerful interim solutions. “We’re still committed to eliminating musculoskeletal hazards at the source,” she said. “But this approach has shown measurable benefits fast.”
For safety leaders looking to improve employee health, reduce discomfort, and elevate performance, microbreaks offer a low-cost, high-impact intervention.
References:
Luks, Howard. 2022. Longevity...Simplified: Living A Longer, Healthier Life Shouldn’t Be Complicated
Institute for Work and Health. 2015. On-the-job resistance training helps prevent musculoskeletal disorders in the neck, arm, shoulder and hand: IWH review https://www.iwh.on.ca/media-room/news-releases/2015-nov-12, Accessed on May 14, 2025