Absenteeism has become one of the biggest challenges for companies. Its impact goes well beyond the hours not worked: it affects productivity, how teams are organized, and the overall climate. The good news is that, with the right measures, it can be reduced.

In this complete guide you’ll see what absenteeism is, what types exist, what causes it, how much it costs, how the rate is calculated, and, above all, how to reduce it effectively and sustainably.

In short

• Absenteeism is a repeated pattern of unplanned absence from work beyond normal, approved time off.
• In the U.S., the average absence rate hovers around 3% of scheduled work time (BLS).
• Its causes are many: health, stress, low motivation, poor climate, and poor working conditions.
• The cost to employers runs into the hundreds of billions of dollars a year.
• You reduce it by caring for the team’s health and wellbeing, the climate and conditions, and by measuring with data.

What is absenteeism?

Absenteeism is a repeated, habitual pattern of unplanned absence from a job beyond normal sick leave and approved time off. It’s a key indicator of an organization’s health, because high absenteeism usually reflects deeper problems: with health, working conditions, or motivation. A single sick day isn’t absenteeism; the term refers to a recurring pattern.

Types of absenteeism

It helps to distinguish several types, because each is handled differently:

• Justified absence: time off covered by a recognized reason, such as medical leave, approved permits, or legal duties.
• Unjustified absence: absences with no valid justification, more often tied to low motivation or a poor climate.
• Presenteeism: being at your desk but not performing (due to illness, exhaustion, or low motivation). It isn’t a physical absence, but it also takes a toll.

What are the causes of absenteeism?

Absenteeism almost never has a single cause. These are the most common ones:

• Health problems: common illnesses, musculoskeletal issues (closely tied to ergonomics), and unhealthy habits.
• Stress and mental health: anxiety, burnout, and mental fatigue are growing causes of sick days.
• Low motivation and poor climate: a lack of recognition or a toxic environment drive absences up.
• Working conditions: poor posture, neglected environments, or excessive workloads.
• Lack of work-life balance: the difficulty of balancing work and personal life.

How much does absenteeism cost?

The cost of absenteeism is enormous. In the U.S., the CDC reports that productivity losses linked to absenteeism cost employers around $225.8 billion a year, or about $1,685 per employee. Much of this is tied to health, and a significant share to mental health: according to the World Health Organization, depression and anxiety alone drive a large loss of working days worldwide, as its fact sheet on mental health at work explains.

Beyond the direct figure, there’s the lost productivity, the cost of covering for absent workers, and the added strain on the rest of the team. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average absence rate for U.S. workers is around 3% of scheduled work time.

How to calculate the absenteeism rate

The absenteeism rate is calculated with a simple formula that relates lost hours to scheduled ones:

Absenteeism rate (%) = (hours not worked ÷ scheduled hours) × 100

For example, if 1,600 work hours were scheduled in a month and 80 were lost to absences, the absenteeism rate would be 5%. Measuring it regularly helps you spot problems early and check whether the measures you apply are working.

How to reduce absenteeism

Reducing absenteeism isn’t about more control, but about better care. These are the most effective levers.

Care for the team’s health and wellbeing

A large part of absenteeism is tied to health, so prevention is the best investment. Promoting healthy habits, caring for ergonomics, supporting good nutrition and hydration, and investing in employee wellbeing reduces sick days tied to physical and mental health.

Improve the climate and motivation

People miss work less where they feel valued. Recognition, a good atmosphere, and a clear purpose raise engagement and reduce unjustified absences.

Review conditions and workload

Realistic workloads, risk prevention, flexibility, and good work organization keep the team from burning out. Managing the day-to-day well is also a measure against absenteeism.

Measure and track

You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Calculating the rate, analyzing the causes, and tracking them lets you act on what’s really driving absences, rather than on assumptions.

Causes of absenteeism and how to address them

Cause	How to address it
Health and habits	Promote health, ergonomics, nutrition, and hydration
Stress and mental health	Realistic workloads, disconnection, and psychological support
Low motivation and climate	Recognition, a good atmosphere, and purpose
Working conditions	Ergonomics, risk prevention, and good organization
Lack of work-life balance	Flexible hours and remote work when possible

The company’s role and prevention

The company plays a decisive role: most causes of absenteeism can be prevented. Investing in risk prevention, health, and a good work environment isn’t an expense but a way to reduce absences and their costs. For guidance, the U.S. CDC offers Workplace Health Promotion resources with good practices that help prevent absenteeism.

Frutality tip

Frequently asked questions

What is absenteeism?

It’s a repeated, habitual pattern of unplanned absence from work beyond normal sick leave and approved time off. It’s a key indicator of an organization’s health.

What are the main causes of absenteeism?

Health problems, stress and mental health, low motivation and a poor climate, poor working conditions, and a lack of work-life balance. There’s almost never a single cause.

How is the absenteeism rate calculated?

With the formula: hours not worked divided by scheduled hours, multiplied by one hundred. The result is the percentage of hours lost to absences.

How much does absenteeism cost employers?

In the U.S., the CDC estimates productivity losses from absenteeism at around $225.8 billion a year, or about $1,685 per employee, before counting replacement and overtime costs.

How can absenteeism be reduced?

By caring for the team’s health and wellbeing, improving the climate and motivation, reviewing conditions and workload, and measuring the rate to act on the real causes.

Going back to the office is a key moment for your team’s wellbeing. After time off, getting back into the routine is hard, and a well-prepared environment makes the difference between an uphill start and a return with energy. The good news is that building a healthier work environment doesn’t take big investments, just a few details taken care of ahead of time.

In this guide you’ll see why the return to the office is worth caring for, how to prepare the space and the habits, and what the company can do to make coming back smoother and healthier.

In short

• The return to the office affects the team’s mood, focus, and energy during the first few days.
• The post-vacation slump is temporary, but it helps to ease people back in gradually.
• A healthy work environment combines physical space, habits, a good pace, and a good climate.
• Preparing the space and rebuilding healthy habits (nutrition, hydration, breaks) helps everyone start better.
• The company plays a key role: organizing the return thoughtfully and caring for the everyday details.

Why is it important to care for the return to the office?

The first days after a vacation usually come with tiredness, less concentration, and slightly lower motivation. It’s normal: body and mind need to readjust to the schedule and the routine. Caring for that moment is no small thing, because it shapes how the whole quarter starts and the team’s overall wellbeing.

The post-vacation slump, a September challenge

The post-vacation slump (sometimes called post-vacation blues) is the set of physical and emotional effects that show up when going back to work after time off. It isn’t a clinical disorder and it’s temporary, but it can affect performance. It usually resolves within a few days to two weeks, the time body and mind need to readjust. If the symptoms are intense or last much longer, the wisest thing is to consult a health professional. You can read more about caring for mental health at work in the WHO fact sheet on mental health at work.

How to prepare a healthier work environment

A healthy work environment isn’t just a nice-looking space: it’s a place that cares for the physical and mental health of the people who work there. These are the four areas worth focusing on before and during the return.

Prepare the physical space

Before the first day, take a moment to review the workstations. Check the ergonomics (chair, monitor height, lighting), air out and clean the spaces, and tidy the common areas. A cared-for space, with good light and fresh air, helps everyone start in a better mood. We develop this in our guide on ergonomics, breaks, and nutrition.

Rebuild healthy habits

On vacation it’s easy to lose your routines. The return is a good time to bring them back: balanced meals, good hydration, and healthy snacks on hand instead of vending-machine snacking. Having healthy eating and good hydration at the office helps keep energy steady right when it’s hardest to concentrate.

Organize a gradual return

Diving straight into a sea of tasks is the perfect recipe for overwhelm. If possible, plan a gradual return: organize the calendar, set realistic priorities, and avoid packing the first days with meetings. Easing back into the pace prevents mental fatigue and helps sustain team productivity.

Care for mood and team climate

The return is also a reunion. Taking time to catch up, recognize people’s work, and create a good atmosphere makes coming back more pleasant. The emotional side is as important as the physical one, and a good climate is one of the best defenses against the first-days slump.

Actions for a healthier return to the office

Here’s a practical summary, by area, of what’s worth preparing so the return is smoother:

Area	How to prepare it for a healthier return
Physical space	Review ergonomics, tidiness, light, and ventilation before day one
Nutrition	Get back to balanced meals, fresh fruit on hand, and good hydration
Pace	Return gradually, with clear priorities and without packing the calendar
Mood	Care for the team reunion and foster a good climate
Rest	Get sleep schedules back on track and respect breaks during the day

The company’s role in the return to the office

A large part of a healthy return depends on how the company organizes it. Planning realistic workloads for the first days, caring for the physical environment, offering healthy options, and respecting people’s rhythms helps the team come back with better energy. Preparing a healthy work environment is part of a broader employee wellbeing strategy, and it also helps reduce absenteeism in those first days.

To guide these actions, there are useful reference frameworks, such as the U.S. CDC’s Workplace Health Promotion resources.

Frutality tip

Frequently asked questions

What is the post-vacation slump?

It’s the set of physical and emotional effects (tiredness, low motivation, trouble concentrating) that show up when returning to work after a vacation. It isn’t a clinical disorder and is usually temporary.

How long does the post-vacation slump last?

Usually between a few days and two weeks, the time body and mind need to readjust to the routine. If it lasts much longer or is very intense, it’s worth consulting a professional.

How do you prepare for the return to the office?

By reviewing the physical space (ergonomics, tidiness, light, and ventilation), rebuilding healthy habits, organizing a gradual return with clear priorities, and caring for the team’s mood and climate.

What is a healthy work environment?

It’s a workplace that protects and promotes people’s physical and mental health: good ergonomics, a cared-for atmosphere, healthy habits within reach, reasonable workloads, and a good climate.

What can the company do to ease the return to the office?

Plan realistic workloads for the first days, prepare the physical environment, offer healthy options like fresh fruit, respect people’s rhythms, and care for communication and the team reunion.

The teams that perform best don’t do it by putting in more hours, but by working in better conditions. And those conditions rest on three pillars that, combined, make the difference: ergonomics, breaks, and nutrition. Taking care of just one helps; taking care of all three at once is the real formula for sustainable performance.

In this complete guide you’ll see how to set up an ergonomic workstation step by step, how to organize breaks so they add up (rather than subtract), and what role nutrition plays in your team’s energy and focus. These are simple changes, almost always low-cost, with a direct impact on performance and wellbeing.

In short

• Ergonomics, breaks, and nutrition form the foundation of a team’s performance.
• An ergonomic workstation prevents discomfort and fatigue and improves concentration.
• Short, frequent breaks restore attention; they’re not wasted time.
• Good nutrition and hydration keep energy steady, with no crashes.
• Combining the three pillars multiplies the effect; taking care of just one falls short.
• The company plays a key role: providing the setup, a break-friendly culture, and healthy options.

Ergonomics, breaks, and nutrition: why they go together

It’s common to treat these three topics separately, but in practice they reinforce one another. An ergonomic chair does little good if the team doesn’t stand up all morning, or if they hit 5 p.m. out of energy because they didn’t eat well. Performance doesn’t depend on a single factor, but on the sum: a comfortable body, a rested mind, and steady energy. That’s the formula. And it fits right in with the keys we cover in our guide to how to improve your team’s productivity at the office.

Office ergonomics: a comfortable body performs better

What is office ergonomics?

Office ergonomics is adapting the workstation to the person so they work comfortably, safely, and efficiently. Instead of the body adapting to a poorly adjusted desk or chair, the environment adjusts to the person. When that doesn’t happen, you get neck, back, or wrist discomfort, eye strain, and a tension that—held hour after hour—drains concentration and performance.

Why ergonomics affects performance

Poor posture held over time doesn’t just cause pain in the long run: it distracts in the short term. An uncomfortable body forces constant repositioning, tires faster, and makes it harder to stay focused. By contrast, an ergonomic workstation reduces discomfort, prevents injuries, and lowers the number of sick days related to musculoskeletal problems, one of the most common causes of absenteeism in office jobs.

How to set up an ergonomic workstation, step by step

You don’t need to invest much: most adjustments are free. Here’s the basic reference for an ergonomic workstation:

Workstation element	How to adjust it to work better
Chair	A height that keeps feet flat and knees at about 90°, with a backrest and lumbar support.
Desk	A height that keeps forearms parallel to the floor and elbows at about 90°.
Monitor	Top edge at eye level and about an arm’s length away (roughly 20-28 inches).
Keyboard and mouse	Close to the body, with wrists straight and relaxed.
Feet	Flat on the floor, or on a footrest if they don’t reach.
Lighting	Natural light whenever possible; screen perpendicular to the window to avoid glare.

Just reviewing these six points at each workstation already makes a big difference. And if the team alternates between sitting and standing (with height-adjustable desks), even better: changing posture throughout the day is one of ergonomics’ biggest allies.

Breaks: pausing to perform more

Why breaks improve performance

Attention doesn’t hold up the same over hours on end. After a stretch of focus, performance drops and mistakes increase. Breaks at work let the mind recover, get circulation going after a long time sitting, and rest your eyes from screen work. Far from being wasted time, they’re an investment: you get more done in less time.

How to organize breaks so they add up

• Frequency: a short break every 60-90 minutes of focused work.
• Micro-breaks: look away and stretch for a few seconds every so often.
• 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds to rest your eyes.
• Move: ideally, the break should include standing up and moving a little.

These breaks pay off even more when they become a small team habit. We develop this, along with the best snacks to go with them, in our guide to active breaks and healthy snacks. And if you notice the team arrives worn out despite resting, it may not be just physical tiredness: we look at it in mental fatigue at work.

Nutrition: the fuel for performance

How nutrition affects work performance

Concentration depends on available energy, and that energy comes from what people eat and drink. The mid-morning and mid-afternoon slumps usually have to do with skipping meals, overdoing coffee, or reaching for pastries and sugary drinks, which give a quick rush followed by a crash. A balanced diet, by contrast, keeps energy levels steady and helps sustain focus throughout the day.

What helps you perform better

• Healthy snacks within reach: fresh fruit and nuts instead of vending-machine snacking.
• Good hydration: even mild dehydration affects concentration.
• Avoiding sugar spikes: steady energy beats highs and lows.

We expand on this in our guides to healthy eating at work and office hydration.

The full formula: the three pillars together

Here’s the key that makes the difference versus doing things halfway: the three pillars boost one another. An ergonomic workstation invites better work; breaks often include getting up for water or a piece of fruit (so the break and nutrition go hand in hand); and good energy makes those hours of focus truly pay off. It’s not about big projects, but about consistently caring for these three fronts at once. That’s the pattern shared by teams that perform sustainably.

The company’s role

Even though each person can adjust their workstation or take care of their breaks, the company sets the framework. Providing ergonomic furniture and equipment, promoting a culture where taking breaks is encouraged, and putting healthy options within the team’s reach are decisions that rest with the organization. Caring for these three pillars doesn’t just improve wellbeing: it also reduces absenteeism, helps retain talent, and reinforces the image of a company that cares about its people. It’s one of the foundations of workplace wellbeing.

Frutality tip

Frequently asked questions

What is office ergonomics?

It’s adapting the workstation to the person so they work comfortably, safely, and efficiently: chair, desk, monitor, keyboard, and lighting adjusted to reduce discomfort and fatigue.

What should an ergonomic workstation look like?

Chair at a height that keeps feet flat and knees at about 90°, forearms parallel to the floor, the top edge of the monitor at eye level and an arm’s length away, wrists straight, and, if possible, natural light with no glare on the screen.

How high should the monitor be?

The top edge of the screen should sit roughly at eye level, and the screen about an arm’s length away (roughly 20-28 inches), so you don’t strain your neck or eyes.

How often should you take breaks at work?

As a guide, a short break every 60-90 minutes of focused work, plus micro-breaks for your eyes (the 20-20-20 rule). Just a few minutes are enough to recover focus.

How does nutrition affect work performance?

Directly: a balanced diet and good hydration keep energy and concentration steady, while skipping meals or overdoing sugar and coffee causes dips in performance.

Mental fatigue at work is that feeling of an “overloaded” mind: it’s hard to concentrate, everything feels heavier, and performance drops even when there’s no physical effort behind it. The good news is that, with simple habits and some support from your company, it can be prevented and fought.

In this article you’ll see what it is exactly, why it shows up, how to recognize it, and what you can do to get your clarity and energy back throughout the day.

In short

• Mental fatigue affects concentration, mood, and motivation—not just the body.
• It usually comes from overload, multitasking, being constantly connected, and a lack of breaks and rest.
• You fight it with real disconnection, better workload management, movement, good nutrition, and rest.
• It’s not only the individual’s responsibility: company culture and how work is organized matter a lot.

What is mental fatigue at work?

Mental fatigue is the exhaustion that shows up after sustained cognitive effort: hours of concentration, decisions, meetings, or attention split across many tasks. Unlike physical tiredness, you feel it less in the body and more in the head: it’s hard to think clearly, hold focus, and find motivation. It’s a normal response, but when it becomes constant, it’s worth addressing.

Why does it happen? Most common causes

Mental fatigue rarely has a single cause. These are the most common ones at the office:

• Workload overload and tight deadlines on a sustained basis.
• Multitasking: constantly jumping from one thing to another wears out your attention.
• Being always connected: notifications, emails, and screens with no break.
• Lack of breaks and long workdays without truly disconnecting.
• Little control or autonomy over your own work.
• Poor rest: sleeping too little or badly amplifies all of the above.

Signs of mental fatigue

Recognizing it early helps you rein it in. Some typical signs:

• Trouble concentrating and more mistakes or forgetfulness than usual.
• Irritability, mood swings, or low motivation.
• A feeling of exhaustion that doesn’t fully go away after one night’s rest.
• Procrastination and the sense that everything takes more effort.

One important note: if that exhaustion persists for weeks despite rest and affects your day-to-day life, it may be more than occasional fatigue (burnout, for example). In that case, the wisest thing is to consult a health professional.

How to fight mental fatigue at work

1. Take breaks and truly disconnect

The mind needs micro-rests to recover. Short breaks to stand up, look into the distance, or change scenery keep fatigue from building up. We cover this in active breaks and healthy snacks.

2. Manage the workload and protect your focus

One task at a time pays off more than ten half-done. Prioritizing, organizing the day into focus blocks, and cutting interruptions greatly lowers mental load. It’s one of the keys in our guide to how to improve your team’s productivity at the office.

3. Set limits on being always connected

Batching your email checks, muting notifications during focus time, and respecting downtime outside working hours help the mind genuinely rest.

4. Take care of rest, movement, and energy

Sleeping well is the foundation. Add movement (standing up, walking, stretching) and nutrition and hydration that keep energy steady, without the ups and downs of sugar and too much coffee. We look at this in healthy eating at work and in office hydration.

What drains the mind and what helps restore it

Area	What drains the mind	What helps restore it
Workload	Multitasking and being “always available”	One task at a time and clear priorities
Connection	Notifications and screens with no break	Digital disconnection and real breaks
Rest	Nonstop workdays and poor sleep	Short breaks and good nighttime rest
Body	Sitting all day	Movement and fresh air
Energy	Skipping meals, sugar, and too much coffee	Balanced nutrition and hydration

The company’s role

Mental fatigue isn’t only up to each person: how work is organized matters enormously. Realistic workloads, respect for downtime, fair meetings, autonomy, and a good atmosphere make the difference. Taking care of this doesn’t just improve wellbeing; it also reduces absenteeism and helps retain talent. Small everyday gestures—including having fresh fruit on hand for a healthy break—add to that culture of care.

Frutality tip

Frequently asked questions

What is mental fatigue at work?

It’s the exhaustion that shows up after sustained cognitive effort (concentration, decisions, meetings, multitasking). You notice it mostly in trouble concentrating, mood, and motivation, rather than in the body.

How is it different from physical tiredness?

Physical tiredness comes from the body’s effort; mental fatigue comes from the mind’s. You can feel mentally exhausted even if you’ve barely moved, because what’s been “used up” is your attention and ability to concentrate.

How can you fight mental fatigue?

With real breaks and disconnection, better management of workload and focus, setting limits on being always connected, and taking care of rest, movement, and nutrition. Support from the company is key.

When should you seek professional help?

If the exhaustion persists for weeks despite rest, affects your daily life, or comes with persistent distress, the wisest thing is to consult a health professional.

Sometimes, boosting productivity isn’t about pushing harder—it’s about pausing better. Two simple habits prove it every day at the office: active breaks at work and healthy snacks. Combined well, they keep energy steady and help your team hold their focus throughout the day.

In this article you’ll see what active breaks are, why they work, and how to introduce them, plus which snacks the teams that perform without the usual slumps go for.

In short

• Concentration runs out; short breaks restore it and, in the long run, you work better.
• An active break is a short rest where you move or shift focus—not a long stoppage.
• Healthy snacks keep energy steady; ultra-processed ones cause spikes and crashes.
• The ideal combination: a short break paired with a piece of fruit.

What are active breaks at work?

An active break is a short rest, just a few minutes, in which you step away from the task to move, stretch, or simply look away from the screen. It’s not wasting time: it’s giving your brain and body the breather they need to come back with more focus. The key is that they’re short and frequent, rather than one long stoppage.

Why do active breaks improve productivity?

Attention doesn’t hold up the same over hours on end. After a stretch of focus, performance drops, mistakes creep in, and progress gets harder. Active breaks help in several ways: they get your circulation going after a long time sitting, rest your eyes from screen work, release muscle tension, and—above all—let your mind recover for the next block of work. The result is that you perform better than powering through nonstop. It’s one of the keys we cover in our guide to how to improve your team’s productivity at the office.

How to introduce active breaks at the office

You don’t need a complex program; these guidelines are enough to get started:

• Frequency: a short break every 60-90 minutes of focused work.
• Duration: 5 to 10 minutes are enough to notice the difference.
• Move: stand up, walk a little, or stretch your neck, back, and legs.
• Rest your eyes: use the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds).
• Change of scene: going to get water or a piece of fruit is, in itself, a good active break.

And mind your posture between breaks: we will cover it in ergonomics, breaks, and nutrition.

Healthy snacks: the fuel for focus

What people snack on between meals also decides how much energy the team has. Ultra-processed snacks (pastries, cookies, sugary drinks) give a quick rush followed by a crash that drains concentration. Healthy snacks, on the other hand, provide energy more steadily. Having them within reach is the best way for them to win out over vending-machine snacking—something we expand on in our guide to healthy eating at work.

Which snack to choose based on what you need

If you need…	Choose…	Why
Steady energy	Fresh seasonal fruit	Natural sugars and fiber, no spikes or crashes
To curb hunger	Natural nuts	Healthy fats and protein that fill you up
To hydrate	High-water fruit (watermelon, melon)	Hydrates and refreshes, ideal in summer
Something sweet but healthy	Seasonal fruit or dried fruit	Satisfies the craving with no added sugar

The mini-ritual that recharges: break + snack

The trick is to combine the two habits. Standing up, stretching for a moment, and pairing it with a piece of fruit turns a simple break into a small ritual that recharges body and mind at once. It’s easy to keep up, barely takes any time, and helps you reach the afternoon with more focus. And if that break also breaks up sedentary time and mental fatigue, even better; we look at this in mental fatigue at work.

Frutality tip

Frequently asked questions

How often should you take an active break?

As a guide, a short break every 60-90 minutes of focused work. Just 5-10 minutes are enough to stand up, move, and rest your eyes before getting back to the task.

Do breaks waste time?

No. Attention drops over hours on end, so short breaks restore focus and, in the long run, you perform better than powering through.

Which snacks are best for keeping energy up at the office?

The ones that provide steady energy, like fresh fruit and natural nuts, rather than pastries or sugary drinks, which cause a spike and a later crash.

Improving your team’s productivity at the office isn’t about working more hours—it’s about creating the conditions for people to perform better without burning out. And a big part of those conditions comes down to three concrete things: the environment, the team’s energy, and how focus and rest are managed.

In this guide you’ll see which factors really drive productivity, the most common mistakes in offices, and the practical keys to improving it—many of them simpler (and cheaper) than they seem.

In short

• Productivity isn’t putting in more hours; it’s delivering more value with a healthy, motivated team.
• The big factors are the physical environment, energy (nutrition and hydration), breaks, and focus management.
• Multitasking, endless meetings, and workdays with no breaks are among the biggest drains on performance.
• Small changes to the environment and to habits have more impact than demanding more effort.

What does a team’s productivity really mean?

A team’s productivity is the relationship between the value it generates and the resources (time and energy) it uses to get there. In other words: it’s not about being busy for more hours, but about achieving better results without wearing people out. A team that performs sustainably is more productive than one that runs at full speed until it burns out.

That’s why any productivity strategy that ignores team wellbeing has an expiration date: accumulated fatigue eventually takes its toll in the form of mistakes, low motivation, and absenteeism.

What factors affect productivity at the office?

Before trying to improve it, it helps to know what it depends on. These are the factors that weigh most:

• The physical environment: light, noise, temperature, air quality, and how tidy the space is.
• People’s energy: how they eat and stay hydrated throughout the day.
• The work rhythm: alternating between focus and rest.
• Focus management: interruptions, multitasking, and the number of meetings.
• Climate and motivation: recognition, autonomy, and a sense of belonging.

How to improve your team’s productivity, step by step

1. Take care of the physical environment

People perform better in spaces with good light (ideally natural), controlled noise, a comfortable temperature, and fresh air. Creating a quiet zone for focused tasks and another for teamwork keeps people from disturbing each other. Ergonomics matter too: poor posture held for hours tires you out and distracts you. We cover it in ergonomics, breaks, and nutrition.

2. Fuel your team’s energy

Concentration depends directly on available energy, and that energy comes from what people eat and drink. The mid-morning and mid-afternoon slumps usually have to do with skipping meals, overdoing the coffee, or not staying hydrated. Having healthy options on hand—starting with fresh fruit and healthy snacks—helps keep levels steady without sugar spikes.

3. Add active breaks

It sounds counterintuitive, but resting improves performance. Attention doesn’t hold up the same over hours: after a stretch of focus, the mind performs worse. Short breaks to stand up, stretch, or grab a piece of fruit recharge your focus. We look at this in active breaks and healthy snacks.

4. Protect focus and time

Multitasking is one of productivity’s biggest enemies: constantly switching tasks has a cost. It helps to organize the day into blocks of uninterrupted focus, batch notifications, and keep meetings to the essential ones—short and with a clear goal.

5. Take care of mental rest

Mental fatigue is real and it affects the quality of work. Respecting downtime, not normalizing endless workdays, and fostering a good climate help the team show up with energy every day. We cover it in mental fatigue at work.

6. Recognize and motivate

A motivated team performs better. Recognition, autonomy, and feeling that the company cares about its people have a direct effect on engagement and, therefore, on productivity.

What drains productivity and what boosts it

Area	Drains productivity	Boosts it
Environment	Noise, poor light, clutter	Natural light, quiet zones, tidiness
Energy	Skipping meals, too much coffee, dehydration	Balanced diet, fresh fruit, good hydration
Rhythm	Multitasking and workdays with no breaks	Focus blocks + active breaks
Meetings	Long and without an agenda	Short and with a clear goal
Climate	Lack of recognition	Feedback and recognition

Wellbeing, the foundation of productivity

All these factors share one thing: a well-cared-for team performs better. It doesn’t take big investments; often, the small details are what make the difference and send the message that the company cares about its people. Having fresh fruit and healthy snacks at the office, for example, improves energy, encourages healthy breaks, and contributes to a better atmosphere—three things that directly impact productivity.

Frutality tip

Frequently asked questions

What improves a team’s productivity the most?

There’s no single lever, but the ones with the most impact are the work environment, people’s energy (nutrition and hydration), and good management of focus and rest. They tend to pay off more than demanding more hours.

How does nutrition affect productivity?

Directly: a balanced diet keeps energy levels steady and supports concentration, while skipping meals or overdoing sugar and coffee causes ups and downs and dips in performance.

Do breaks improve or hurt productivity?

They improve it. Attention doesn’t hold up over hours on end; short breaks help recover focus and, in the long run, you work better than powering through.

How long can a person stay focused?

It varies by person and task, but deep concentration usually holds up well for blocks of about 60–90 minutes, after which a short break is a good idea before continuing.

Every two years, RRHH Digital magazine holds an awards ceremony for “The Most Influential People in HR,” recognizing professionals, leaders, and experts who set trends and inspire others in this sector, which is a fundamental pillar of companies.

Once again, Frutality did not want to miss this gala and accompanied not only the 10 winners of this edition, but also those who received a special mention for their work.

Each of them will receive a fruit basket from Frutality, which we hope they will enjoy as much as their award.

At Frutality, we always strive for detail and constant improvement so that every employee feels like a winner.

 

 

We have already discussed on several occasions the efforts made by companies to care for their employees. However, this is not the only focus of attention in recent times, as companies are increasingly concerned about the environment, trying to create spaces and offices that are as sustainable and committed to the planet as possible.

 

How can we create more sustainable offices?

 
Ideally, all buildings would be sustainable in terms of manufacturing materials, construction techniques, and location. However, it is possible to implement a series of measures for the offices where we work and which are already built to standard.

• Use recycled paper, even for client presentations or marketing materials, which will also give us a better image.
• Digitize documentation, which will not only save paper but also space in our offices.
• Print only what is strictly necessary and, when we do, it is better to print on both sides
• Create specific spaces for recycling different materials.
• Turn off lights when they are not needed or when we leave a room that will be empty.
• Use non-toxic cleaning products, which in the long run prevent health problems for employees.
• Reuse everything possible instead of throwing it away
• Eliminate disposable plastic containers such as cups or coffee stirrers
• Use coffee machines that do not use capsules or use compostable capsules
• Provide reusable bottles or cups to employees and install a water fountain instead of vending machines
• Replace plastic packaging for customer deliveries with biodegradable and compostable packaging and containers
• Maintain a stable temperature in the office in both winter and summer
• Put plants in the offices: they add color and cheer, provide humidity, and help absorb some of the radiation emitted by electronic devices
• Promote all the measures implemented among employees

 

What are the advantages of a more sustainable office?

 
Working in an environmentally conscious office that is more pleasing to the eye, with more natural light, better ventilation, and fewer elements that are harmful and toxic to health, has a number of benefits for companies
and employees:

• More motivated employees
• Improved physical and mental health of employees, which translates into a reduction in the number of sick days
• Improved working environment
• Increased productivity
• Cost savings for the company
• Tax benefits
• Reputation building

 

At Frutality, we are environmentally conscious and firmly believe in the shift towards more sustainable environments. Proof of this can be seen in our compostable cut and peeled fruit packaging, individual cardboard and collective glass packaging for nuts, and our reusable wooden boxes for fruit.

Furthermore, fruit is real food that does not need to be processed before consumption, meaning that no energy is used in its production, consumption, or packaging.

Post-vacation syndrome, also known as the famous post-vacation depression, arises, as its name suggests, when the vacation period ends and it is time to return to work and adapt to the work routine, schedules, and lack of free time and quality time.

It is an adaptive disorder with symptoms similar to stress, due to a longer than usual absence from the work environment and responsibilities. Sometimes, this adaptation process can be difficult or distressing for the worker, affecting them both psychologically and physically.

Although there is some controversy surrounding this syndrome, experts agree that it is more common in employees with low job motivation and a negative view of their work and work environment.

 

 

Symptoms of post-vacation syndrome

These can vary in intensity and symptoms from one worker to another depending on their personality, responsibilities, and state of mind prior to the vacation period, with the most common being:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Apathy
• Lack of energy
• Decline
• General malaise
• Mood swings
• Low mood
• Palpitations or tachycardia
• Sweating
• Feeling of weariness
• Shortness of breath
• Headache
• Digestive discomfort
• Lack of concentration
• Demotivation
• Perception of being unable to adapt to the work environment again

 

These symptoms can last from a couple of days to two or three weeks without significantly affecting employees’ long-term health.

 

How to overcome it

To refocus as quickly as possible and return to our usual state of mind, we can follow a series of guidelines:

• Focus on the positive aspects of returning to the office routine
• Put aside negative thoughts about returning to work
• Find activities that motivate us outside of work or resume hobbies or activities that help us feel better
• Practice sports and find time for yourself
• Making plans helps us focus on new projects and dreams
• Leave work at the office
• Reconnect with coworkers
• Use breaks or lunchtime to disconnect
• Eat healthily, including lots of fruit

 

How to prevent post-vacation syndrome

 

• Don’t return the day before going back to work; go back a few days early to prepare for the return to routine and get organized in a more relaxed way
• Gradually adjust your schedule so that it’s not so hard to get up early again
• Take the return to responsibilities as calmly as possible, becoming aware of pending work and projects, catching up, and starting with the tasks that we find most enjoyable and pleasant
• Resume non-work activities that you enjoy as soon as possible, adapting them to your new routine

 

 

The workers most prone to suffering from this disorder tend to be those who enjoy longer vacations, have less resistance to frustration, do not enjoy a pleasant work environment, find no motivation in their work, feel undervalued or uninvolved in the company, and those with poor relationships with their colleagues and bosses. In addition, it is more common in women than in men, since, according to the Spanish National Statistics Institute, women are more involved in childcare and housework, in addition to their jobs outside the home. It will also depend on the type of employee you are or those around you and, of course, on each person’s personality.

The most common thing is to experience fatigue and stress linked to returning to work, without any major repercussions.

But if there’s one thing we’re clear about at Frutality, it’s that we want to make your return to work more bearable and fill you with vitamins, because it’s also been proven that eating healthily helps to prevent this type of pathology and many others related to the work environment. Eating fresh fruit at the office will make you happier at any time of year.

There are many different types of employees, each with their own particular characteristics. In our years of working with so many companies, we have found that there are almost always certain profiles that share a specific personality and common character traits, regardless of the sector in which they work.

Relationships with coworkers are one of the greatest sources of motivation for going to work and doing a good job. Not only that, but various studies have shown that positive relationships between workers act as a buffer to reduce stress.

Relationships between coworkers affect occupational health and performance, for better or for worse. In the companies we work for, we realize that there are always good people who will help us, but sometimes we may encounter people who poison the good atmosphere, affecting the whole team.

We have summarized some of the

most common profiles

in the professional world. Let’s look at the characteristics of each of them:

 

Toxic employee

Toxic workers, also known as conflictive workers, are those who cause conflicts to escalate, have constant friction with other colleagues, are critical, and may even believe themselves to be the bosses despite having no power.

The motivations of this type of employee can be diverse and, on occasion, they may even be right in some of their claims. However, managing emotions and knowing how to put problems into perspective are not among their qualities.

 

Defeatists

At work, as in life, we may encounter people who have different ways of seeing life and different attitudes towards it. Generally, these types of people are the same at work and outside of it. Sometimes we may encounter
defeatist people
who have a low perception of self-efficacy in what they do. Low self-confidence
affects the quality and quantity of the work they do and the different relationships they have with the various people involved in their working world: bosses, colleagues, and clients.
Defeatists
will not see it as possible to meet deadlines, carry out what they have been asked to do, win over clients, or close sales. They need extra energy from you, which sometimes we are simply not interested in providing.

 

Perfectionist

Another type of employee we may encounter, whose behavior can have an impact on the effectiveness and efficiency of their work, is the perfectionist. Doing things well is good, because companies want efficient and productive workers. But the perfectionist is the one who takes their work home with them and is never satisfied with what they do, affecting their occupational health and leading to stress and anxiety. Although many people think that being a perfectionist is good, this type of employee can quickly become frustrated because they always see imperfections even when things are going well.

 

Absent-minded

Do you have coworkers who are not very methodical and can be absent-minded and forgetful? These workers can cause problems or add more work for other employees due to their incompetence. Generally, this can be caused by organization, motivation, or even boredom at work, which is known as burnout. In general, this type of employee can be a good colleague and empathize with others, but their clumsiness can end up damaging the good working environment. If the situation becomes very serious, it may be advisable to talk to them respectfully to make them aware of their shortcomings within the general work structure.

 

Slow

On the other hand, there may be types of employees who hinder the work of their colleagues by being slow and not completing tasks on time. This may also be due to poor organization, lack of motivation, or not knowing how to do their job properly. It may be a mistake in
personnel selection
or they may have personal or health problems. In these cases, apply logic and carefully measure the time they exceed. This will help you better understand what they are doing wrong and find a solution.

 

Gossip

The toxic coworker usually has bad intentions and destabilizes the work environment. And, without any underlying bad intentions, we may sometimes encounter the
gossipy

coworker. This is the type of employee who always meddles in other people’s business and is more concerned with finding out what is going on in their coworkers’ personal lives than with doing their job properly. If the gossip is also mean, we will have a
toxic gossipy coworker
that we will have to be very careful with ;)

 

The ideal employee

This is a type of employee who is motivated and feels loyalty and empathy for the company’s values. They are committed to their work and their team. They do their tasks well, deliver on time, and help others when needed. They have a good character and know how to recognize conflicts. They are proactive and anticipate problems, knowing how to coordinate others. On top of that, they are a good dancer, attractive, and a good person. You couldn’t ask for more.

We are convinced that any type of employee will be a little happier if they have
fresh fruit in the office
every day. What’s more, fruit break time can be the perfect opportunity to smooth over differences, share personal stories, or improve the working environment. Guaranteed.