I run virtual trainings, and the same thing kept happening: I’d say, “See you back in 15 minutes,” and 18 minutes later I’m still staring at a half-empty Teams meeting, unsure whether to start or keep waiting.
The problem isn’t that people are flaky. It’s that once they step away from their desk, they lose their sense of time. Without a clock or coworkers heading back, it’s easy for a short break to run long.
So I built BreakNow.
You screen-share a countdown timer during breaks. Participants scan a QR code and see the timer on their phones. When time’s almost up, they know and they return. No more awkward “I think most people are back” moments.
There’s also an optional poll feature. Before the break, you can ask a quick question - an energy check, pace feedback, etc. Attendees respond from their phones, and when everyone returns, you see the results and can adjust on the fly.
What it does:
- Countdown timer you screen-share during breaks
- QR code so participants see the timer on their phones
- Live polls for quick check-ins (optional)
- Pause, resume, or add time - syncs to everyone automatically
- Pre-set break types (coffee, lunch, lab time) or create your own
Who uses it:
- Corporate trainers
- Workshop facilitators
- Conference organizers
- Team leads running remote meetings
Free. No signup. Just go to breaknow.app and start a break.
60-second demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvpceo1KdDY
Comments (3)
like the idea
I know that feeling too during breaks! I like that your idea tackles that specific problem.
Built this for my own virtual trainings. Got tired of waiting for people to come back from breaks. Free, no signup needed. Would love to hear if others find it useful. All feedback welcome!