Management Tip of the Day: Don't take that coffee break

Sachets of Tate and Lyle sugar are seen on a glass table outside a coffee shop in Belfast July 1, 2010.

BOSTON (Reuters) - Taking short breaks during the workday will not necessarily revitalize you but could be helpful if you use the time to do something positive and work-related, says Harvard Business Review.

The Management Tip of the Day offers quick, practical management tips and ideas from Harvard Business Review and HBR.org (www.hbr.org). Any opinions expressed are not endorsed by Reuters.

"Most people assume it's good to take a few breaks during the day - grab a coffee, make a personal call, check Facebook - and then return to work refreshed.

But those non-work related breaks may be making you more tired and distracted. Detaching from work is only beneficial if it's over a longer period of time.

If you need a break - and we all do - try writing out a to-do list or giving a colleague a compliment instead of drinking a caffeinated beverage or listening to music.

If you do something work-related during those brief times you'll be more engaged and energized. At the end of the day, you can punch out and pursue those non-work conversations and hobbies."

- Today's management tip was adapted from "Coffee Breaks Don't Boost Productivity After All" by Charlotte Fritz.

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