Business · Companies · 10 hrs ago
Indian employees value breaks, but many struggle to take them
A Compass Group India study found that 95% of surveyed employees feel more productive after a break.
But demanding schedules make it hard for many workers in India to step away during the day.
Regular breaks three to five times a week fell from 46% in 2023 to 38% in 2025.
The study surveyed 2,000 people at companies and Global Capability Centers in India; 63% said their organisations undervalue breaks.
Nine in ten want healthier food options at work, and more than nine in ten said they are changing what they eat and drink for their long-term health.
Workplace cafeterias also serve as places to connect: 93% said they share meals with colleagues at least a few times a month.
The findings point to a gap between what employees say supports their wellbeing and the time and choices they have at work.
A Compass Group India study found that 95 per cent of Indian employees feel more productive after taking a break, but many struggle to make time for one.
The study found that 63 per cent believe their organisations undervalue breaks.
The share taking regular breaks three to five times a week fell from 46 per cent in 2023 to 38 per cent in 2025.
The findings also show strong employee interest in healthier food choices, with 90 per cent wanting healthier options at work.
More than 90 per cent said they were changing what they eat and drink to improve their long-term health.
- Who
- Indian employees at corporates and Global Capability Centers took part in the study.
- What
- A study found that employees value breaks but often struggle to take them during the workday.
- When
- Published on November 9, 2026. The study compares break frequency in 2023 and 2025.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- Increasingly demanding work schedules make it harder for employees to build breaks and healthy habits into the working day.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
46 per cent of employees took regular breaks three to five times a week.
The share taking regular breaks three to five times a week fell to 38 per cent.
- Survey size
- 2,000 people interviewed across corporates and Global Capability Centers in India
- Productivity after breaks
- 95 per cent of Indian employees feel more productive
- Organisations undervalue breaks
- 63 per cent of employees
- Regular breaks in 2023
- 46 per cent took breaks three to five times a week
- Regular breaks in 2025
- 38 per cent took breaks three to five times a week
- Healthier food at work
- 90 per cent want healthier options