Being intentional with breaks can greatly shape the workshop experience. Depending on the goals, breaks can be designed to recharge energy, foster connections, or gather feedback. For recharging, create spaces like a quiet zone, a breathing/energizer class, or a food station. For connection, invite participants to form quick pairs and share ideas. To gather feedback, use tools like dotmocracy to assess what’s working or what needs adjustment. Structure breaks to offer choice—whether to reflect, connect, or simply unwind—and name these options so participants can recharge meaningfully while staying engaged. And remember as a facilitator, these breaks can be used to reassess the flow of the workshop, connect with yourself or a peer.

Breaks are important for people to recalibrate, reflect, catch up with people from different groups and have a bio moment. I prioritize preserving this time for organic interactions, avoiding the temptation to fill it with workshop-related content.

Ask yourself: Why are you trying to fill a break with more work? If your workshop is already packed with awesome material, let people take a break. Workshops are an opportunity to get involved in the process and people need proper breaks to keep their energy up. If anything make sure they can find the toilet, refill their water bottles (please move away from plastic and one use items in professional settings), get something to eat without buying it (provide something ready and healthy, and then find a place to relax, chat or take a moment to be in nature or get fresh air. Lastly, start the day encouraging people to stay with the group or themselves on breaks and not disappear on to their phones. You can remind them to do so before break.

It's a break for a reason. Give your delegates a break and treat them with some nourishing, healthy refreshments. If possible facilitate their break outside in nature or in a nature focussed environment and create a positive, supportive culture amongst the group. This will mean they can freely roam or group up for some lovely conversations. Set some supportive group intentions maybe before you break and ask them what they want from it. Rest and recharge maybe or chat and discuss. You'll most likely have a bunch of introverts and extroverts, facilitating something comfortable for everyone will pay dividends.

Give the participants the break they need or deserve! Avoid over-engineering even this part of the workshop. If I have the sway on the venue, I love to have access to nature. Ensure there are spots to catch up on emails or needed work. Make sure food and refreshments are prepared. My rooms are always visually stimulating already.... I say - Leave.them.alone!

The clue is in the title; it’s a break so don’t overthink it. Create sociable spaces with refreshments and let your delegates decide what works best for them to be ready for the next bit. People are not all the same and re-energise in different ways. Be around to facilitate if the interactions are not happening but, in my experience that has never been necessary. If you are struggling with a tight agenda let some of your most passive activities run alongside the breaks as long as these are not mandatory ie posting comments on a feedback or suggestion board, adding to a Word Cloud etc. Allow your delegates to re-charge without orchestrating their every minute and they will reward you with their attention when they get back in the room.

During breaks, engage with participants to build rapport and gather insights about how the workshop is landing for them. Use this time to address quick questions, clarify concepts, or adjust the flow if needed. Stay mindful of the schedule—set clear expectations for when the session will resume and gently prompt participants as the break ends. Breaks are a chance to recharge, connect, and stay aligned with your goals.

During a facilitation workshop, break times can be powerful tools to enhance engagement and maintain momentum. Here’s how to maximize them: Facilitate meaningful connections: Use methods like Impromptu Networking, encouraging participants to discuss a specific topic or share key insights from the session. Reinforce learning: Place prompts or visual aids in break areas that recap key workshop points or pose reflective questions. Gather quick feedback: Set up a feedback wall or digital poll for participants to share thoughts on the session so far. Reset the energy: Offer optional energizers like simple Liberating Structures (e.g., Mad Tea) to re-ignite focus.

Use break times strategically to maintain energy and focus. Clearly communicate the purpose, duration, and restart time to set expectations. Encourage participants to step away, refresh, and network. Use a timer or gentle reminders to ensure punctuality. During breaks, review workshop progress and adjust plans if needed. Stay available for questions or one-on-one discussions to address specific needs. Share quick tips or insights through visuals or handouts near refreshments to reinforce key messages subtly. Start promptly after breaks to model time management and keep momentum.