how often are you supposed to have a break if you're working allday on a pc?

Question

If you work on a computer, how often are you supposed to take a break?

Answer 1

Guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) suggests it'sbetter to take shorter breaks more often at your workstation than longer breaks and less often (eg a 5-10 minute break after 50-60 minutes continuous screen and/or keyboard work is likely to be better than a 15 minute break every 2 hours). But if your job means spending long periods at a VDU (eg data input), then longer breaks from your workstation should be introduced.

The Working Times Regulations state that a worker who works a shift of over 6 hours is entitled to a 20 minuter break.

All employees who work with VDUs are entitled to a free yearly eyetest. Ask your employer for more information.

Answer 2

Legally? Your employer is required by law to give you 30 minutes worth of breaks per 8 hours and 10 more for every 2 hours you work overtime if you have a paid lunch break. Unpaid lunch is 10 minutes every 4 hours and 10 mins for every 2 hours over. This is in the U.S. tho.

Answer 3

In today's world we sit without moving long hours in front of the computer screen. We hurt our eyes, shoulders, backs, wrists etc... A ten minute break every hour can reduce repetitive-stress injuries associated with computer usage. This free utility which rests in the system tray reminds us when to take a break and does it in style.

Answer 4

Once every hour for five minutes is a good amount of time. And then every four hours, take a fifteen minute break (walking around outside would be good).

Answer 5

I've heard you should look away from the monitor every 20 mins or so. Look at a colorful object. If you can't just look away for a while to help with eye strain.

Answer 6

If you are in an office environment. Every four hours as mandated by law.

If you are at home, take one every 45 minutes just to stretch your eyes. I find it helps.

Answer 7

erm i'm not entirely sure. but you are only able to conentrate for about 40mins, so i would say perhaps every hour. you should look away from the screen a lot more often though.