For most employees, the brain is the most critical work tool. Many manual functions have been automated, and most tasks now require the brain to process information, solve problems, make decisions, and more.
If the brain is not given the right working conditions, it affects innovation, collaboration, empathy, problem-solving, quality, and the ability to maintain an overview.
Overuse of Mental Capacity
In modern working life, we are at risk of overusing our brains. That is the view of Joan Morberg, owner of Morberg Breathe and specialist in mental health.
For many people, work is characterized by complex challenges, a high pace, and constant change. We often move directly from one task to the next, from one meeting to the next. And this also applies when we are off work.
Joan Morberg points out that technology makes it possible for the brain to be constantly active, because access to knowledge and interaction with others is always available and tempting us. This means that many of us find it extremely difficult to switch off and give the brain the necessary break so it can perform even better afterwards.
“We need to remember to create ‘in-between times.’ It is about leaving a little bit of time between meetings or activities to recharge our batteries. It can be a brain break, a social break, or something else,” says Joan Morberg.
Did you know...
A brain break is characterised by being awake while the brain is unfocused.
Scrolling your phone for five minutes is not a brain break, it overstimulates the brain. Give your brain time without focus or entertainment.
When the brain’s Default Mode Network is activated during brain breaks, three powerful processes occur:
- A “clean-up” system kicks in – memories and information are sorted and stored.
- Loose ends are tied together – you remember things you forgot when you weren’t focused.
- New knowledge connects with past experiences – strengthening learning.
Source: Joan Morberg, Morberg Breathe
The Brain Needs to Be Recharged
We must find ways of working that provide better conditions for the brain. Morberg uses the metaphor of charging a smartphone:
“When our phone’s battery icon turns low, we immediately put it on charge – otherwise we lose access to all the functions we rely on. It’s the same with the brain: it must be recharged so we can access all the functions we need at work.”
This calls for ways to recharge the brain throughout the workday, not just after hours.
How RIT A/S Put Brain Health in Focus
With a focus on both well-being and performance, the IT consulting company RIT A/S wanted to highlight brain health and create a sustainable workplace.
To support this, they launched a development programme consisting of three modules, giving all employees time to implement and embed various tools into their everyday work.
The three modules were:
- Brain breaks
- Focus and work design
- Life balance
Small and Large Initiatives That Prevent Mental Overload
More companies are drawing on neuroscience to create work environments that support the brain’s natural need to alternate between activity and rest. Examples include:
- Cognitive wellness programs: Mindfulness, brain apps, and meditation training to reduce stress.
- Small brain breaks: 1-5 minute pauses to prevent mental fatigue (micro-walks, gazing out the window, breathing exercises, stretching). The key is that the brain is unfocused.
- Brain-friendly meetings: Embedding strategic brain breaks into information-heavy meetings before decisions are made.
- Workday design: Allocating protected time for focus and deep work with minimal interruptions.
- Prioritizing sleep and rest: Sleep education, creating rest spaces.
- Flexible working hours: Allowing for individual energy patterns.
- Brain-healthy foods: Nutritious snacks and knowledge about diets that boost cognitive energy.
Clear Benefits for the Organisation
Focusing on brain health and good working conditions for the brain is not only about individual well-being. There are also very concrete benefits for the workplace. Research points to a wide range of advantages, including:
- Cognitive performance: Good brain health supports memory, attention, and decision-making. Employees who are mentally sharp work more efficiently and make fewer mistakes.
- Stress management: Employees with healthy brains are better at handling stress and conflicts, which reduces the risk of burnout.
- Burnout prevention: Stress, lack of sleep, and mental overload are the main causes of burnout. Initiatives that strengthen brain health help reduce these risks.
- Increases engagement and retention: Employees who feel that their employer cares about their mental health show greater engagement and loyalty.
- Attracts younger generations: Younger generations in particular look for workplaces that support mental and cognitive well-being.
- Promotes creativity and innovation: Brain health enhances the ability to think creatively and solve complex problems.
- Demonstrates social responsibility: A focus on brain health signals that the company takes responsibility for cognitive well-being as well.
GAIS Questions About Breaks, Reflection, and Deep Work
Do you focus on keeping employees’ brains sharp and healthy?
Through the GAIS platform, you can explore questions related to brain breaks, focus time, and deep work during the workday. You can use GAIS’ predefined questions or create your own.
Sådan kommer I i gang:
Ekspertens råd til at komme i gang med at arbejde med hjernesundhed
- Provide knowledge: Learn how the brain functions and reacts.
- Build motivation: Make the benefits of new work habits clear
- Secure anchoring: Root the initiative at a high organisational level, such as in a mental health strategy. Leadership must walk the talk.
- Support new habits with structure: Create frameworks for brain-healthy behaviour, e.g. a short, strategic brain break after every meeting.
- Start small: Implement one change at a time.
