Caption: Among those receiving breaks, average beta wave activity associated with stress remained largely constant over time; the low stress level is visualized here in shades of blue and green. In those not given breaks, mean beta wave activity increased over time, suggesting an increase in stress; this increase is represented here with a color shift from cool to hot. Illustration by Valerio Pellegrini
Legend: According to the study, those employees who take regular breaks showed a positive asymmetry in terms of their engagement. This means that their engagement increased as the workday progressed. Conversely, employees who do not take breaks were found to have a negative asymmetry, meaning that their engagement decreased throughout the day and they were more likely to withdraw. Illustration by Valerio Pellegrini
