Let’s be honest—most of us aren’t exactly working our dream jobs right now. We’re at a place that pays the bills, offers decent benefits, and isn’t completely unbearable, but if the perfect opportunity came knocking, we wouldn’t think twice before quitting. Finding a job you’re truly passionate about is rare, and until that happens, we do what we must while occasionally scrolling through memes to keep ourselves sane.  

It turns out people are willing to go great lengths for a job they truly love. A 2023 SSR survey found that nearly 70% of workers said they’d rather take on a two-hour commute for a job they’re passionate about than settle for a mediocre job just two minutes from home. That’s right—people would choose traffic jams, train delays, and long drives over a boring 9-to-5 that doesn’t excite them.

And while finding the perfect job is no easy feat, many of us have at least enjoyed the perks of working from home in this post-pandemic world. But here’s the thing—it’s not all rainbows and pajamas. Working remotely comes with its own set of challenges, and for some, it has blurred the lines between work and personal life in the worst way possible.

According to a 2022 study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, working from home increased job-related stress by 26%. While ditching the office sounds like a dream, many employees have found themselves working longer hours, juggling household responsibilities, and feeling "on-call" 24/7. So while WFH has its perks, it can also make it harder to mentally "log off" and separate work from the rest of life.

It makes sense: when your home is your office, it’s easy to stay in work mode nonstop. You might be answering emails while cooking dinner, squeezing in meetings between laundry loads, or typing away at midnight just because your laptop is within reach.

That’s why breaks are so important: they give you time to reset, refocus, and recharge. And honestly, what better way to unwind than scrolling through some relatable work memes? 

Many countries have laws requiring work breaks to ensure employees don’t burn out. In Germany, for example, employees are entitled to a 30-minute break if their workday exceeds six hours and a 45-minute break if they work more than nine hours. Other countries emphasize the importance of rest periods, proving that taking a pause isn’t just a personal preference—it’s a necessity for productivity and well-being. 

To dive deeper into the importance of breaks, we spoke with Frieda Lagos, an HR professional with over two decades of experience working for global companies. "Employees love their breaks," she shared. "It’s not just about stepping away from work, it’s about resetting your brain so you can come back feeling refreshed."  

"No one can be in productive mode non-stop," Frieda continued. "Even a short walk, a tea break, or a few minutes of doing nothing can help. Let’s say you’re stuck on a problem—stepping away for a bit can give you the clarity you need to solve it faster." It’s proof that taking a break isn’t wasting time, it’s making you more efficient.  

A 2022 Aflac survey backs this up, showing that 59 percent of employees report feeling burned out, and workplace engagement is on a steady decline. The data highlights that high burnout and low engagement can seriously affect performance—leading to decreased productivity, higher stress levels, and physical exhaustion. It turns out, pushing through exhaustion doesn’t make you a harder worker—it makes you more drained.

That’s why pausing work instead of forcing yourself through it might help you perform better in the long run. "I always encourage taking breaks," Frieda explained. "Whether it’s stretching, stepping outside, or simply disconnecting from screens for a few minutes, it makes a huge difference in focus and overall well-being." Small, intentional pauses throughout the day can lead to higher energy levels, better concentration, and fewer mistakes.

"Most companies have policies that encourage breaks," Frieda added. "I once had an employee who insisted on working overtime to earn extra, but they were constantly exhausted. In the long run, it affected their performance, and they weren’t as productive as they thought. Taking breaks isn't slacking, it’s a strategy for sustainable success." 

So, are work memes helping you be more productive? According to Frieda, the answer is yes. "Taking a short break to laugh, whether it’s at a meme or a funny video, can boost your mood and reset your brain," she explained. "It’s a quick mental refresh that helps you focus better when you get back to work."

So if you’ve been guiltily scrolling through work memes during your break, don’t worryyou’re making yourself a better employee. Now, go ahead and share these with your work bestie so they can enjoy the benefits of productive procrastination too!