USA 
United Kingdom
A growing number of employees across the US are using brief, informal breaks throughout the day to manage stress, regain focus and maintain energy, according to a new national survey into workplace habits.
The study, conducted by online gaming site SolitaireBliss, found that nearly one in four Americans take at least one microbreak per hour, while 72% step away from tasks multiple times a day without formally clocking out or taking a lunch.
Those short pauses, often lasting only a few minutes, are increasingly seen as essential tools for coping with work pressure.
Remote and younger workers lead microbreak adoption
Remote and hybrid workers reported taking microbreaks more frequently than those in office-based or on-site roles. Younger employees also reported a higher rate of use than their older peers, suggesting a generational shift in how recovery time is viewed.
Virginia Beach and Miami had the highest rates of daily microbreak use, with 88% and 84% of respondents in those cities stepping away from tasks several times a day. In contrast, cities such as Orlando and Nashville had the lowest reported usage, with local workers citing productivity concerns as a deterrent.
The practice was most common among real estate and food service professionals, many of whom cited long periods of downtime or physical demands as reasons to reset throughout the day. Healthcare workers also ranked highly, with 91% saying they take microbreaks specifically to manage stress.
Emry DowningHall, head of monetisation at SolitaireBliss, said: “Work can be stressful at times, but remembering to take time to step away for just a couple of minutes can help alleviate that stress.”
HR & microbreaks - a tool for focus, stress relief, & tackling screen fatigue?
More than half of respondents said their employer encourages microbreaks, while 50% reported feeling more tired on days when they skip them. Yet the data also shows that guilt and fear of appearing unproductive remain barriers, with around one in four workers saying such concerns stop them from taking breaks.
The top reason cited for taking a microbreak was refreshing focus, followed closely by reducing stress and taking a break from screens. Over 80% of workers said screen fatigue was a driving factor, while 63% said boredom played a role and 55% admitted to taking breaks on impulse.
Popular microbreak activities included checking messages, eating snacks, stretching, or briefly stepping away from screens. Many also reported doing nothing or simply "zoning out" for a few minutes to reset their energy levels.
Researchers noted that small changes in break culture could yield significant benefits. Normalising microbreaks, improving managerial support and encouraging flexibility around when and how employees take short pauses may help reduce burnout, increase concentration and improve wellbeing.
