The Power of Pause: How Taking Intentional Breaks Improves Workplace Communication and Productivity

Welcome to the first Wellness Wednesday blog post. This series is designed to help you take charge of your workday by trying simple, practical tips for improving your well-being and building stronger connections at work. Let’s explore how being present can make a big difference in the way we communicate and collaborate together.

Have you ever noticed how being in a rush changes how you treat others? A famous Princeton study from 1973 shows how this plays out. Seminary students were asked to prepare a lecture about the Good Samaritan – a story about helping others. Then, they were told to go to a different building to deliver their talk. Some students were told they had plenty of time to get there, while others were told they were running late and needed to hurry.

If we're running late, it affects how we treat people around us.

On their way, the students passed someone who appeared to be struggling, who was actually an actor pretending to need help. This person looked sick or possibly unhoused, and the experiment was set up to see if the students would stop. The results were clear: 63% of the students who weren’t in a rush stopped to help, compared to just 10% of those who were hurrying.

This study shows how being busy affects our ability to notice and respond to others’ needs. When we’re rushing, it’s harder to connect, even when we care about helping. In the workplace, the same thing happens. When we’re overwhelmed or juggling too many responsibilities, it’s harder to communicate clearly and collaborate effectively.

According to insights shared in the McKinsey Talks Talent podcast, this phenomenon reflects a larger workplace trend. When people feel overwhelmed or stretched too thin, their ability to connect with others diminishes. By automating non-human tasks and giving employees space to focus on meaningful interactions, organizations can help their teams thrive. Taking intentional pauses isn’t just about self-care, rather, it’s a strategy for creating healthier, more productive workplaces.

Practice these tips to help create a more collaborative and enjoyable workplace.

As we kick off Wellness Wednesday, think about how you can add small breaks into your routine. A few deep breaths, a quick walk, or even a mindful pause between tasks can go a long way. What’s one small way you’ll make time for wellness this week? Share your ideas in the comments. We’d love to hear from you!