Being intentional with breaks can greatly shape the workshop experience. Depending on the goals, breaks can be designed to recharge energy, foster connections, or gather feedback. For recharging, create spaces like a quiet zone, a breathing/energizer class, or a food station. For connection, invite participants to form quick pairs and share ideas. To gather feedback, use tools like dotmocracy to assess what’s working or what needs adjustment. Structure breaks to offer choice—whether to reflect, connect, or simply unwind—and name these options so participants can recharge meaningfully while staying engaged. And remember as a facilitator, these breaks can be used to reassess the flow of the workshop, connect with yourself or a peer.

Breaks are important for people to recalibrate, reflect, catch up with people from different groups and have a bio moment. I prioritize preserving this time for organic interactions, avoiding the temptation to fill it with workshop-related content.

Ask yourself: Why are you trying to fill a break with more work? If your workshop is already packed with awesome material, let people take a break. Workshops are an opportunity to get involved in the process and people need proper breaks to keep their energy up. If anything make sure they can find the toilet, refill their water bottles (please move away from plastic and one use items in professional settings), get something to eat without buying it (provide something ready and healthy, and then find a place to relax, chat or take a moment to be in nature or get fresh air. Lastly, start the day encouraging people to stay with the group or themselves on breaks and not disappear on to their phones. You can remind them to do so before break.

Give the participants the break they need or deserve! Avoid over-engineering even this part of the workshop. If I have the sway on the venue, I love to have access to nature. Ensure there are spots to catch up on emails or needed work. Make sure food and refreshments are prepared. My rooms are always visually stimulating already.... I say - Leave.them.alone!