Do we all need a hydration break?

{"text":[[{"start":4.9,"text":"Well, I’ve been at the keyboard for more than 20 minutes, so it is probably time for one. Indeed, there was an era when hydration breaks were a major part of journalism. "}],[{"start":16.200000000000003,"text":"The pioneering Boot & Flogger near London Bridge was widely regarded for its innovative hydration-therapy work that powered parts of the newsroom for years. Then we all got serious. Today’s newsroom staff walk around clutching personal flasks to ensure they are never more than an arm’s length from a hydration option. Quite right too. That 20-yard walk to the water dispenser is a killer. So serious are they about hydration that they even shun the carbonated option. Their commitment to still water runs deep."}],[{"start":46.900000000000006,"text":"The tea break was once an institution in factories too, but aggressive work practices and automation undermined all that, which is a shame because robots are partial to an Earl Grey or a chai latte."}],[{"start":59.35000000000001,"text":"With the World Cup in the Americas, the drinks break is back. We have seen the institutionalisation of the hydration break in both halves of matches, whatever the conditions, splitting soccer into a game of four quarters in a move that has absolutely nothing to do with the desire to free up time for more adverts. Aside from the essential work of reminding us of the benefits of Powerade and Lenovo laptops, the breaks allow players to take on fluids and coaches to tweak their strategy mid-half. "}],[{"start":86.9,"text":"This has annoyed purists, the kind who are already rushing to the online comments to pick me up on my use of the word “soccer”. But what if we can all learn from this soccer (yes, I am now doing this to annoy you) innovation?"}],[{"start":null,"text":"

"}],[{"start":101.55000000000001,"text":"As if to prove my point, the government of Britain has just announced a major hydration break that will allow a tactical substitution. Labour has announced a pause less than halfway through its term, so it can switch captains and strengthen its attack down the left. "}],[{"start":116.75000000000001,"text":"But I suppose the question posed here is whether we could all benefit from regular hydration breaks, and not merely to take on some Powerade and upgrade our laptops. Mind you, given the plethora of Instagram influencers, who is to say that in the not too distant future we won’t all be interrupting our conversations and work to offer up a quick word from our sponsors? Every fifth slide in your presentation could be given over to promoting chair tai chi or mushroom gummies. "}],[{"start":144.45000000000002,"text":"TV stars post daily photos of their latest outfits. Why shouldn’t we? “I’m writing this while wearing the latest utterly standard navy suit from Marks and Spencer, which is surprisingly forgiving to those of us with bodies made for Ozempic.”"}],[{"start":159.15,"text":"But this is not just about advertising. Could we not all benefit from mandatory resets every hour or so? We may think we can take them now, but I’m not just talking about a quick trip to the coffee machine or a vape break. "}],[{"start":172.05,"text":"What the World Cup has shown us all is that these random moments of refreshment or mind-clearing simply don’t cut it. Only the discipline of an enforced, ordered and joyless break can ensure we maximise the benefits."}],[{"start":185.65,"text":"Hydration cannot be wasted on idle gossip or mere leg-stretching; it must become an essential part of the working day. A whistle should sound hourly, or two-hourly in the real work hothouses, and everyone will be expected to gather at the water cooler for hydration and motivational speeches from their line manager. Attendance will be strictly monitored and people who regularly skip the gathering pleading pressure of work will face a warning. "}],[{"start":211.65,"text":"Someone from HR would be appointed Head of Hydration to ensure the principles of the break are being followed and to ensure that everyone is optimising their hydration journey. All staff will be issued with copies of the new office bible The Seven Habits of Highly Hydrated People."}],[{"start":228.4,"text":"Branded water bottles will be handed to all staff who will be expected to bring them to all hydration events. Firms that pride themselves on customer welfare will seek out the finest water. Google meanwhile will relocate to Brecon or Malvern or Fiji to source refreshment directly from a natural spring. New hires would be quizzed to discover details of other firms’ hydration secrets."}],[{"start":250.20000000000002,"text":"Only when all joy has been removed are we truly maximising our potential. It’s time to get serious about breaks. "}],[{"start":264.40000000000003,"text":""}]],"url":"https://audio.ftcn.net.cn/album/a_1782486702_8358.mp3"}