KitKat Introduces ‘Break Meeting‘ – A Teams Call With No Agenda But Rest
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A revolutionary approach to combating meeting fatigue, confectionery giant KitKat has launched a permanent Microsoft Teams meeting dedicated solely to providing employees with a scheduled break. The initiative, reported by Little Black Book online, aims to normalize and prioritize pauses during the workday, acknowledging the growing need for mental refreshment in a hyper-connected world. This unconventional strategy highlights a shifting corporate mindset toward employee wellbeing and productivity.
The Rise of the ‘Break Meeting’ & Meeting Fatigue
The modern workplace is often characterized by back-to-back meetings, leading to widespread meeting fatigue and diminished productivity. Recognizing this trend, KitKat devised a unique solution: a standing Teams meeting with a deliberately empty agenda. According to the report, the sole purpose of the call is to allow employees to disconnect, recharge, and step away from their tasks – without the guilt often associated with taking unscheduled breaks.
How the KitKat ‘Break Meeting’ Works
The concept is remarkably simple. Employees can join the Teams call at any point during the workday, knowing there will be no discussions, presentations, or action items. It’s a virtual space for quiet contemplation,a swift mental reset,or simply a moment to breathe.
“It’s about giving people permission to pause,” a company release stated. “We want to actively encourage our team to take breaks, and this meeting provides a dedicated, judgment-free zone to do so.”
The initiative is a direct response to internal feedback regarding the pressures of constant connectivity. One analyst noted that this approach could be particularly effective for remote and hybrid teams, where the boundaries between work and personal life can become blurred.
A Broader Trend: Prioritizing Employee Wellbeing
KitKat’s ‘Break Meeting’ isn’t an isolated incident. It reflects a growing awareness among employers of the importance of employee wellbeing for sustained productivity and innovation. Companies are increasingly investing in programs and initiatives designed to reduce stress, promote mental health, and foster a healthier work-life balance.
This includes:
- Implementing “no-meeting days” or designated quiet hours.
- Offering mindfulness and meditation resources.
- Encouraging employees to utilize their vacation time.
- Providing access to mental health support services.
The Potential Impact & Future of work
The success of KitKat’s experiment remains to be seen, but the underlying principle – that scheduled downtime can enhance performance – is gaining traction. The ‘Break Meeting’ challenges the customary notion that constant activity equates to productivity.
“This is a smart move,” a senior official stated. “It acknowledges that humans aren’t machines and that regular breaks are essential for optimal cognitive function.”
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The initiative could possibly inspire other companies to adopt similar strategies, fostering a more sustainable and human-centered approach to work.
Here’s a breakdown answering the “Why, Who, What, and How did it end?” questions:
Why: KitKat launched the ‘Break Meeting’ to address growing employee meeting fatigue and the pressures of constant connectivity, aiming to improve wellbeing and productivity.
Who: KitKat, a confectionery giant, implemented the initiative for its employees. The idea was reported by Little Black Book Online.
What: KitKat created a permanent, agenda-less Microsoft Teams meeting where employees can join at any time
