It’s one thing to be dedicated to your goals and work relentlessly to achieve them, but it’s another to overburden yourself with work without taking any breaks. While this still exists, creativity flourishes only when you take short breaks and then carry on with your work. This is where an age-old technique of working called the Pomodoro Technique comes in.
This method, developed in the 1980s by Francesco Cirillo, divides work sessions into 25-minute intervals called “Pomodoros” followed by short five-minute breaks. After every four Pomodoros, users take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes. But does this structured approach to time management truly enhance productivity and focus? This article will help us understand.
How does it work?
Before we discuss whether the technique works, let us understand the right way to use the Pomodoro Technique at work. It’s simple!
Start by creating and prioritizing a list of tasks you need to complete.
Set a timer for 25 minutes and focus exclusively on the first task.
If distractions arise, jot them down to address later and continue working.
Once the timer rings, you’ve completed one Pomodoro.
Take a five-minute break before starting the next session.
After completing four Pomodoros, reward yourself with a longer break of 20 to 30 minutes.
Repeat this cycle until you’ve completed your assignments or reached the end of your workday.
In the field of education
Yusra Fatima, Manager Partnerships at ALfA Accelerating Learning for All, believes the Pomodoro Technique has significant value in educational settings. “The Pomodoro technique has a place in education as it teaches students to value both work and rest and equips them with lifelong skills for managing their time and mental well-being,” Fatima adds that it works well because it breaks study or teaching time into smaller, focused periods and it prevents fatigue and enhances retention while keeping the process engaging and goal-oriented. The method is not just about managing tasks but about fostering discipline, focus, and balance. This works both for students and educators.
Corporate applications
In the corporate world, the Pomodoro Technique has found a foothold, particularly in settings where sustained attention is necessary. Tanya Parwani, Senior HR at Gradding.com, notes that the method is especially helpful in preventing burnout. “Employees can perform demanding tasks and keep their morale high when work is sliced into manageable pieces,” she explains. Scheduled intervals sustain concentration and instil a sense of urgency, which can help overcome procrastination.
At the same time, Parwani also highlights the technique’s limitations. “For instance, in a group brainstorming exercise, strict allocation of time limits can be counterproductive to the free flow of debate. Staff who are working on intensive assignments may also find the prescribed number of sessions per day want; The 25–minute blocks all too short to accomplish achievements in. For such cases, modifying the approach – for instance, adding to the target duration or changing the duration of the breaks – can be more realistic.”
For entrepreneurs
The Pomodoro technique has been approved and appreciated by a lot of entrepreneurs out there. Pooja Choudhary, founder of Lavanya The Label, says, “It’s particularly effective for tasks that require high attention, such as writing or coding,” she says. By automating breaks, the technique reduces mental fatigue and decision fatigue, resulting in better focus and work quality.
Choudhary also highlights its role in preventing burnout. “Regular rest breaks foster physical activity and relieve tension, instead of working for several hours in a row,” she notes. However, she emphasizes the importance of adapting the technique for collaborative tasks or longer discussions to avoid disrupting the workflow.
Jinay Savla, an investor and entrepreneur, shares his modified approach to the technique. He says, “Yes it works. I constantly take a short 5-minute break after an intense 45-minute work. And I’ve also realised that if you prepare well for your meetings then you can complete them in 30 mins timeframe. And a short break is a welcome one because it allows you to operate the next task with a fresh mind.”
In the field of mathematics
In the field of mathematics, Neelakantha Bhanu, CEO and Founder of Bhanzu, advocates for the Pomodoro Technique as a valuable learning tool. “By breaking down mathematic problems into smaller, more manageable chunks, and incorporating short breaks for reflection, students can experience increased focus and concentration. This approach not only improves efficiency but also fosters a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts, moving beyond rote memorization to a more meaningful engagement with the subject.” So if you are someone who hates maths, try this technique of practising and see the results as it is advocated by world’s fastest human calculator himself.
Increases productivity
According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, participants who used structured work intervals, such as those outlined in the Pomodoro Technique, showed a 23% increase in task completion rates compared to those without breaks. Another survey by DeskTime reported that employees who incorporated short breaks into their workflow were 10% more productive than their peers who worked without interruptions. This is further backed by a meta-analysis conducted in 2021 which revealed that time management strategies, including the Pomodoro Technique, significantly reduce stress levels, contributing to overall well-being.
Dipal Dutta, CEO of RedoQ, says, “It is an excellent method to keep track of time. For example, I would know that an hour has passed since I have finished the last two tasks. This has helped make the most of my day without having to constantly check the clock. The technique has also helped me perform deep work because I feel I only need to focus on the task at hand for 25 minutes. So everything else can wait for after. By sticking to the Pomodoro Technique for long enough, you can turn it into a habit.”
Weighing Pros and Cons
Dr. Prerna Mahindroo, Assistant Professor of Business Analytics at K J Somaiya Institute of Management, emphasized the benefits and challenges of the Pomodoro Technique. “It aims to boost productivity, focus, and efficiency while reducing burnout, fatigue, and distractions,” she explains. However, Mahindroo notes that the structured intervals may not work for everyone. “Some find the intervals disruptive, especially for creative tasks. Overall, it is effective for improving focus and completing tasks but may need adjustments for more complex work or tasks that require a flow state.”
