Why Rest Breaks Matter: Going Beyond the Legal Minimum for Employee Wellbeing
In today’s screen-based working environment, regular rest breaks aren’t just beneficial—they’re essential for protecting employee health, preventing burnout, and supporting productivity.
Under current UK law, as outlined in the Working Time Regulations 1998, workers are entitled to a minimum of:
One uninterrupted 20-minute rest break during any shift that lasts more than six hours
11 consecutive hours of rest between working days
24 hours of rest each week (or 48 hours every fortnight)
While these are important protections, it’s crucial to recognise that they are minimum standards. For many workers—especially those in desk-based or screen-intensive roles—more frequent, shorter breaks throughout the day can make a significant difference.
Why More Frequent Breaks Make Sense
Relying solely on one 20-minute break over a six-hour shift may not be enough to maintain concentration, reduce fatigue, or manage physical strain. For employees using Display Screen Equipment (DSE)—such as computers, tablets, or phones—long periods of uninterrupted screen time can lead to:
Eye strain and headaches
Musculoskeletal problems (e.g., back, neck and shoulder pain)
Reduced concentration and cognitive performance
Higher levels of stress and fatigue
Encouraging regular short breaks helps to prevent these issues, leading to healthier, more focused employees who are better able to sustain performance throughout the day.
Practical Strategies for Employers
Organisations that are serious about employee wellbeing should consider the following:
Promote the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce eye strain
Encourage employees to take brief screen breaks every hour – even just 2–3 minutes to stand, stretch, or move
Avoid back-to-back meetings by building in short pauses between calls
Create a workplace culture where taking breaks is seen as beneficial, not a sign of disengagement
Provide guidance on ergonomic working setups and encourage movement during the day
Looking Ahead
With new employment legislation expected to enhance statutory rest break rights, now is the ideal time for employers to reassess how they support breaks and wellbeing in the workplace.
Going beyond the minimum legal requirement not only helps meet health and safety obligations—it also demonstrates a commitment to creating a healthier, more sustainable working environment for everyone.
Contact the DSE team for further guidance and information on our DSE Assessor Training.
