In 2007, field study conducted by Galinsky et. al,. aimed to investigate the impact of supplementary breaks and stretching exercises on the well-being and performance of data entry operators. The research built upon previous studies conducted by NIOSH-IRS and sought to expand our understanding of how these interventions can alleviate symptoms and enhance productivity in this specific work environment.

The study involved a group of data entry workers who underwent two different conditions over an 8-week period. For four weeks, they followed the conventional break schedule consisting of two 15-minute breaks per day. For the following four weeks, the workers experienced supplementary breaks, which included two 15-minute breaks in addition to four 5-minute breaks each day. Half of the participants were randomly assigned to the stretching exercise group, while the other half served as the control group without stretching instructions.

Out of the 51 workers who completed the study questionnaires, 21 belonged to the stretching exercise group, while the remaining 30 were in the control group. The findings revealed that the implementation of supplementary breaks led to a significant reduction in discomfort and eyestrain experienced by the workers. Moreover, the discomfort and eyestrain accumulated during work sessions were mitigated with the introduction of supplementary breaks. Surprisingly, the data-entry speed increased significantly when supplementary breaks were incorporated, allowing workers to maintain their work output even with 20 minutes of work time being replaced by break time. However, it should be noted that the stretching exercises had no significant effect on discomfort or performance, likely due to low compliance rates observed in the stretch group.

This study provides further evidence supporting the benefits of supplementary breaks for data entry operators, as they effectively minimize discomfort and eyestrain without compromising productivity. The findings underscore the importance of incorporating regular breaks into the work schedule to enhance employee well-being and maintain performance levels. While the study could not draw definitive conclusions regarding the effects of stretching exercises due to low compliance, it highlights the need for additional research on stretching routines and compliance rates. Further investigation in this area would provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of stretching exercises for data entry operators.

In summary, this field study emphasizes the positive impact of supplementary breaks on the overall work experience of data entry operators, suggesting that employers should consider implementing such breaks to promote employee well-being and productivity in this occupational setting.

Reference: Galinsky, T., Swanson, N., Sauter, S., Dunkin, R., Hurrell, J., & Schleifer, L. (2007). Supplementary breaks and stretching exercises for data entry operators: A follow‐up field study. American journal of industrial medicine, 50(7), 519-527.