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You remember recess when you were a kid, don’t you? Well, it seems that recess isn’t just for kids anymore because a growing number of businesses are incorporating recess-type breaks for their workers, according to business writer Meg McSherry Breslin. And it has been showing results.

If you work in human resources, it may be something worth checking out for your company.

At some companies, recess activities take a more traditional format – workers can jump rope, play basketball or other “schoolyard” games. Other places have a more adult flavor to their recess, offering short exercise routines, ping-pong, or miniature golf. The purpose, however, is the same for each – to pull employees away from their computers for 15 minutes and help reduce stress on overworked people.

People in the benefits area say that it may seem like a gimmick, but it really is helpful for employee wellness.  That’s because many people, who spend their workdays at a desk, lead very sedentary lives. This in turn raises a host of health issues. And that in turn affects businesses that employ these people. Recess is one way of addressing the need for people to get more activity.

Health officials encourage companies to offer some recess-like activity at work, or something similar, such as walking breaks. Sitting for a long time can adversely affect your health, according to health officials, and so recess breaks are a good way to break up the sitting.

Between five and 10 percent of the increase in healthcare costs comes from employees who do not engage in enough physical activity, according to health officials. About one-fifth of all cases of heart disease and diabetes come as a result of inactivity.

Keen Inc., a company located in Portland, Oregon that makes footwear, began its recess program just last year. Such programs can reduce healthcare costs and also drive up productivity, according to company officials. They cite research by a UCLA professor who estimates that there is a $1.50 to $2 return from every dollar spent on a recess program.

Recess also helps companies to get buy-in from their employees. Many people are not thrilled at the idea of wellness programs, but when they get a chance to have a little fun during the day, it becomes something they really want to do.

Speaking of fun, the recruiters here at Winston Resources love to find New York City companies great temporary and direct-hire employees. Contact us today!


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