Empowering psychosocial well-being at the workplace

How communicating micro-breaks can contribute to structuring breaks and creating social awareness

Master thesis (2024)

Authors

G. Wels Industrial Design Engineering

Contributors

D.V. Keyson Design Conceptualization and Communication - IDE (supervisor 2)
G.P.M. Hoekstra Applied Ergonomics and Design - IDE (supervisor 1)
Gerard Huiskes Koninklijke Ahrend (supervisor 1)
Jesper Belonje Koninklijke Ahrend (supervisor 1)
Faculty
Industrial Design Engineering
More Info
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Published Date

29-05-2024

Language

English

Reuse Rights

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Faculty

Industrial Design Engineering

Abstract

More and more (young) working adults in the Netherlands experience burnout-related stress symptoms. Although the focus of office environments is more focused on vitality, this trend keeps rising.

Products that already focus on awareness of well-being turn out to not be sustainable or even intrusive. Employees on the other hand seem to be burdened by occupational pressure while most people are like-minded when it comes to prioritising well-being over work.

Micro-breaks are necessary for keeping a steady energy level and most importantly required during stressful periods with high workloads.

The product solution is a simplified communication tool with only one purpose, communicating micro-breaks. The tools consist of a little display and are all connected. Every workplace or employee has such a product and by connecting it to your work computer or telephone, micro-breaks can be communicated with people in the same team. Different kinds of breaks can be communicated, depending on the team and facilities of the company. When team members are invited to participate in a micro-break they can simply accept, decline, or ignore the invitation.

The product aims to bring structure to taking breaks in a work environment and provides reminders during busy and stressful periods. In addition, the solution supports social interactions to lower the threshold for taking breaks. Ultimately to create a healthy working atmosphere in various environments.