Millions of adults eat lunch at their desk daily as they’re ‘too busy’
A study of 2,000 office workers and students revealed that a whopping 82% end up eating their midday meal at their desk during a typical week, with nearly half (46%) dining ‘al-desko’ most days.
Shockingly, almost one in five (18%) don’t have anywhere else to eat at a table making their desk the next best option and those who do manage to escape only spend an average of 32 minutes away from work.
The research also discovered that six out of 10 people skip taking a dedicated lunch break altogether, despite 89% agreeing it’s important to take ten. Interestingly, over half (52%) of those who do take time out claim they feel refreshed after a moment away from their desk.
Phil Thomson, senior business development director at Lipton Ice Tea, which commissioned the research as part of their campaign to encourage the nation to reclaim their midday meal with the launch of Lipton Lunch Club, commented: “Our study has shown how few take a break, despite generally understanding the benefits of doing so – in a world where work life balance is a popular topic, valuing lunch time should be part of the discussion.”
“It sounds counterintuitive, but stopping work for a bit can actually lead you to getting much more done throughout the day, and help you lift your mood, feeling more energised for the rest of your day.”
The study also found that 38% feel the need to take a break to escape their screens, while 31% require time to recharge. However, according to OnePoll figures, 36% of people are concerned that modern society and work culture is pushing individuals to power through without taking a lunch break.
Interestingly, 43% reported being more productive when they take a break from their work to eat lunch elsewhere, with a quarter feeling actively happy for taking a dedicated break.
The survey also revealed that two-thirds (67%) believe taking a lunch break enhances their social interactions with friends, but 53% wish they had more time for breaks during their day.
(Image: © SWNS)
Moreover, 35% feel more inspired to engage in activities in the evening or after work when they’ve made sure to have a lunch break during the day.
Fortunately, 56% of those surveyed said they are actively encouraged by their employers, managers or tutors to take a lunch break.
Factors such as colleagues (27%) and pre-arranged plans (29%) increase the likelihood of taking a break, with 45% better at taking time out when they have somewhere to go or something to do.
Furthermore, 31% have pledged to make a concerted effort to take a midday break in the future, regardless of how busy they become.
Phil Thomson commented: “Ensuring you take a lunch break, no matter where you work, is a simple yet powerful way to boost your health and productivity – it’s an investment in yourself that pays off throughout the day. Lunch breaks are a key component of work-life balance helping us disconnect briefly from our duties and reset.”
TOP 10 REASONS BRITS SKIP A LUNCH BREAK:
- I’m too busy.
- I work through my lunch break to finish earlier for the day.
- I’m not hungry.
- I forget and then once I remember it’s too late.
- I can’t be bothered.
- I don’t like eating at my desk/workspace if I can help it.
- There’s nowhere to go for a break.
- I have a late breakfast.
- I forget to bring something with me to eat.
- I don’t want to take one.
