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"The effects on human error are widespread with performance being impaired by as much as 10%." |
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| Coffee in the Workplace |
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It's a great feeling to sink into a comfortable chair after an enjoyable lunch
and give in to that sleepy feeling. But what happens if you have to get on with
the job and that job demands focus and attention and any small lapse of
concentration could have serious consequences?
Sound dramatic? Then think of some of the safety critical jobs that affect us
all on a daily basis e.g. bus and train drivers, air traffic controllers or
machine operators.
It's not just your imagination - there is now significant evidence to show the
existence of a post lunch dip in our ability to sustain attention. The effects
on human error are widespread with performance being impaired by as much as 10%.
The potential consequences in safety critical jobs could be catastrophic.
Some people are able to arrange their after lunch work schedules so that they
avoid tasks involving sustained attention and switch to those of short duration
e.g. keeping routine letters and paperwork for this time thus giving their
brains a rest but still getting work accomplished. For most of us, such a choice is
not practical.
So how do we reduce the post lunch dip?
Modifying our eating habits will help and eating a smaller meal than usual
would certainly lessen the effect, but that is not always possible or even
desirable. The alternative is to try increase one's alertness and this can be done in
a variety of ways:
- By taking exercise – fresh air and natural light helps so a short walk after
lunch could help give you energy.
- By increasing background music – great if working at home but may not always
practical in the workplace
- By drinking caffeinated drinks – two cups of coffee will quickly help restore
alertness and for many will totally remove the post lunch dip.
Coffee can also help you feel in a better mood after lunch. Studies show that
people who have drunk coffee feel more contented and are more interested in
their work. The caffeine in coffee helps to restore levels of alertness - improving
performance and mood – just what we all need to get us through the second half
of the working day!
For further information, visit References
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