In a report last year, it was revealed that less than one third of UK workers, just 30%, take proper lunch breaks, such as taking a break from their desks, going outdoors for a walk, or dropping into a cafe.
The survey was conducted by the National Charity Partnership, with 1,700 workers participating. They discovered that the remaining 70% of workers spend their time at their desks working (24%) or browsing the internet (46%).
But who, precisely, is skipping lunch breaks? And why? According to the survey, it’s women – with just 15% taking a lunch break outside the office compared to 35% of men – and those over the age of 24 being the most likely candidates. Over one third of people cited ‘having too much work’ as a reason for staying put during lunch, one in eight said ‘stress levels’, and one in eight blamed the ‘workplace culture’. Others comments included not ‘being bothered’ or ‘prefering the internet to the outdoors’.
Retailer of dinner sets, Oldrids & Downton, has investigated why proper lunch breaks are so IDEAL in the workplace, both to productivity and job satisfaction.
What is expected from employers?
Employers are expected to stick to a set of pre-determined legal terms with their employees. Workers who are over 18 are entitled to rest breaks (lunch breaks, for example), daily rest (11 hours between working days) and weekly breaks (either 24 hours uninterrupted break each week, or 48 hours uninterrupted work each fortnight).
Rest breaks are required when working for 6 hours or longer – employers are legally required to allow you at least one 20-minute break during the shift. Employees should take breaks in the middle of the day, and be allowed to spend their break away from their workstation.
Why are lunch breaks important for employers?
Almost 10 million working days are lost a year as a result of work-related stress – so anything employers can do to encourage wellbeing at work is beneficial to the success of the business as a whole.
Lunch breaks are also known to increase the productivity of workers – especially if short breaks are factored in too. This is strengthened further when accompanied by a nutritious lunch, which will give workers the right nutrients and fuel for the rest of the day.
Why are lunch breaks important for workers?
According to respondents to the National Charity Partnership survey, 90% of workers who take a proper lunch break felt ‘happier and more positive’ as a result. So why is that? Reasons could include:
- You can get things done. Taking a proper lunch will allow you to catch up on life administration or run some errands, giving you more time in the evening to relax.
- You can take in something tasty. Your lunch break gives you an opportunity to take in essential nutrients to keep you going for the rest of the day.
- You can sneak in some exercise. People with an hour-long lunch have time on their side to sneak in a lunchtime workout during their lunch, but even with the minimum 20 mins you can take a stroll, up your step count and take in some fresh air.
How can employers encourage lunch breaks?
With the benefits clearly outlined, it’s important that employers encourage their staff to take their lunch break. There are a number of things that can be done to promote a proper lunch break, helping staff enjoy their working day more and increasing their productivity during working hours…
- Lead by example. If your employees see you working through lunch, they may feel like this is expected of them too.
- Create a workplace environment that encourages employees to take breaks
- Designate a space in your workplace – such as a kitchen or dining room – that employees can relax in to get away from their desks
- Supply healthy snacks to encourage a culture of healthy eating to accompany a healthier attitude to taking breaks.
- Provide distractions from phones and screens. If you have room in your designated break space, include light reading materials (magazines and newspapers) and other forms of entertainment, so workers can enjoy their break in a dedicated environment, free from screens
- Encourage additional breaks. There are stressful moments in everyone’s jobs, so make it clear to employees that if they need to take an extra break for some fresh air, they can – and that their lunch break will be unaffected.
It is vital to office harmony that people take a proper lunch break, away from screens and work distractions. Workplaces and workers alike will see the benefit, so no excuses – step away from that screen now!