28% of Aussie Workers Never Take a Break – Is Burnout the New Normal?

A fresh wave of controversy has hit Australia’s business sector as the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) pushes for changes to workplace legislation, sparking outrage from unions. Critics claim the proposed amendments could lead to “the disappearance of the rest break”, turning the issue into a hot-button topic among business communities.

New research commissioned by COS, an Australian-owned workplace solutions provider, has shed light on the reality of employee break habits. A survey of over 1,000 Australian workers found that more than a quarter (28%) never take a break during business hours.

The findings indicate a consistent trend across industries, genders, and locations nationwide. However, younger workers appear to be bucking the trend, with 84% of Gen Z employees taking daily breaks, compared to 72% of Millennials and just 65% of Baby Boomers. Interestingly, employers themselves seem to be better at stepping away from work, with 82% reporting that they take breaks during the day, in contrast to only 72% of employees.

Skipping Breaks Comes at a Cost

Employees who regularly take breaks report tangible benefits, including improved productivity (29%), reduced stress (27%), and higher-quality output (25%). Yet, many workers still refrain from stepping away from their desks. The primary reason? A staggering 42% say they are simply “too busy” to stop, fearing that breaks will extend their working hours. Others (22%) aim to leave work earlier by powering through, while 16% worry about being judged by colleagues as “lazy” for taking time out.

Belinda Lyone, Co-CEO of COS, warns of the dangers of neglecting breaks: “Continuously pushing through without taking pauses can lead to burnout – a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion characterised by decreased motivation, increased cynicism, and reduced productivity. It’s important for staff at all levels to prioritise time to rest and recharge, not only for themselves but also to set an example for others.”

A Workplace Culture Shift is Needed

The study also suggests that fostering a more supportive workplace culture could encourage employees to take necessary breaks. Key motivators for break-taking include stronger support from leadership (20%), designated rest areas in the office (21%), and a general cultural shift towards recognising the value of breaks (21%).

“While endorsing breaks and integrating them into workplace culture is easy to implement, many companies struggle with creating quality rest areas,” Lyone added. “It doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming, and we’ve successfully integrated this into our workplace at COS.”

As Australia’s business landscape debates workplace legislation, the findings highlight an underlying issue: many employees feel unable or unwilling to take breaks despite the clear benefits. With mounting concerns over burnout and productivity, both employers and policymakers may need to rethink strategies to protect workers’ well-being in the modern workplace.

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