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Author: Ruth Klein

A Five Minute Time Management Break

In today's high stress workplace, even a five-minute break can bring relief.

Employees in today's high stress workplace, where longer hours and fewer vacations have become the norm, should get up and get out of the office for at least five minutes every few hours. Because I am a veteran business consultant, an author and time management expert I speak from both education and experience.

If the boss won't let you take a five-minute vacation from your desk, then take a five-minute vacation in your mind. Even a few minutes focusing on anything that is not work related can help you reduce stress, refresh and refocus.

In my book, Time Management Secrets for Working Women, I describe employees increasingly turning to go-to help from books and Web sites in order to obtain help through a 40-hour work week that is approaching 50 hours for many full-time workers. The sales of this book to women and to an increasing numbers of male readers, pushed it into a second printing this fall -- two years ahead of schedule.

Cell phones, email and other modern technologies can streamline work day tasks, but more often work to sabotage overworked employees who tie themselves to the 24/7 availability of such devices. I'm always surprised by clients who check their email immediately upon waking up and answer every cell phone call at any time of the day.

Unless you're a doctor or in another profession requiring 24/7 attention, turn off your cell phone and resolve to answer it only at two scheduled times of the day. Lack of control is a huge factor in workplace stress. You can't control the workload, but you can control how you respond.

I advise my coaching clients to not check email immediately upon waking up, but rather after making a to-do list for the day and then circling two, and only two tasks to accomplish first. You will absolutely feel overwhelmed if you write down a list of 10 or 20 assignments. Focus on two, and on how to complete only two tasks at a time, to avoid feeling overwhelmed. At work, I advise employees to train themselves to check their email only at two or three pre-scheduled times. Constantly checking your email can rob you of time and distract you from the tasks in front of you.

Two recent studies confirm my campaign to persuade employers to become more proactive in recognizing workplace stress and allowing employees an adequate number of breaks, fewer all-employee meetings and other practices that often serve to only exacerbate daily stress levels.

A recent study from the University of California-Irvine reports a direct link between overwork and high blood pressure, and another study from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports that workplace stress can be contagious.

Employers concerned about the high cost of health care should take note that workplace stress can take a huge physical toll on their workers. That workplace stress can be contagious also goes straight to the bottom line in threatening efforts to boost workforce productivity. Employers and managers who lose control can, in turn, face the same major ingredient for high stress.

Employers should encourage more defined work breaks to create an atmosphere that will allow employees to step back from their desks a few times each day, and to earn a day off with no strings attached. Is every meeting productive? Consider shortening the length and numbers of meetings to allow employees to focus on immediate tasks without distractions that can add to their stress.

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