Improving Canteen Allotted Break Time Compliance to Boost Overall Operational Efficiency: A Simulation Study

Canteen breaks are crucial for employees to recharge during 12 -hour shifts, but excessive break times can reduce productivity. This study investigates the impact of break duration on productivity at a semiconductor company in the Philippines, aiming to boost operational efficiency by improving breaktime compliance. Over three months, observation-based data collection captured arrival times, queue lengths, and break activities. Data were analyzed using Minitab software for distribution identification and FlexSim modeling for simulation. Findings revealed that 51.43% of operators exceeded the 30minute break limit daily. The study emphasized the need for stricter adherence to break schedules to prevent productivity loss. Proposals such as extending breaks, restricting peak-hour breaks, adding a server, enhancing environments, offering incentives, and using reminder apps significantly improved compliance and efficiency. This research provides a practical framework for enhancing break time compliance and operational efficiency in industrial canteen settings. Future studies could explore the longterm impacts of optimized break schedules on employee well-being and productivity.