How can Field Service Engineers take effective breaks throughout the day?

1 Know your break rights

Depending on your location, contract, and employer, you may have different legal and contractual rights to breaks during your workday. For example, in the US, federal law does not require employers to provide breaks, but some states and industries have their own regulations. In the UK, most workers have the right to one uninterrupted 20-minute rest break per six-hour work period. It is important to know your break rights and communicate them with your manager and clients, especially if you work across different regions or sectors.

2 Plan your break times

As a field service engineer, you may not have a fixed or predictable routine, but you can still plan your break times based on your workload, travel time, and appointments. Ideally, you should take a break every 90 to 120 minutes, as this is the optimal cycle for human concentration and energy. You can use a calendar app, a timer, or a reminder to schedule your breaks and stick to them as much as possible. Of course, you may have to adjust your break times depending on the urgency and complexity of your tasks, but try not to skip or postpone them too often.

3 Choose your break activities

The purpose of a break is to refresh your mind and body, so you should choose activities that help you relax, recharge, and refocus. For instance, stretching, walking, or doing some light exercise can relieve tension and improve blood circulation. Additionally, drinking water, eating a healthy snack, or having a coffee can hydrate and nourish yourself. Listening to music, reading a book, or playing a game can distract you from work-related stress and stimulate your creativity. Meditating, breathing, or practicing gratitude can also calm your nerves and boost your mood. Lastly, chatting with a colleague, a friend, or a family member can be beneficial for socializing and sharing your experiences.

4 Optimize your break environment

The environment where you take your break can also affect its quality and impact, so ideally you should find a comfortable, quiet, and pleasant place away from distractions. Unfortunately, as a field service engineer, this may not always be possible when working on the road or at remote sites. In these cases, try to find the best spot for your break, such as a park or garden to enjoy nature and fresh air, a café or restaurant to treat yourself to a meal or drink, a library, museum, or gallery to learn something new or admire art, or even a car, bus, or train during your commute.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?