A study of 2,000 full-time employees found only 36% take their lunch break every day, with 13% admitting it is often as little as once a week
Over half of Britain’s workforce are skipping their lunch breaks, with many opting to munch ‘al-desko’ due to heavy workloads or feeling too guilty to take a pause.
A survey of 2,000 full-time workers revealed that a mere 36% manage to take their lunch break daily, and 13% confess to doing so only about once a week.
Nearly half of those who forgo a proper break end up eating at their desks, and a staggering 59% claim they’re simply too swamped with work to take time out.
Additionally, 12% feel guilty about resting, and 24% point the finger at chatty colleagues as the reason for missing their midday respite.
Consequently, 59% find themselves battling the dreaded afternoon slump, which tends to hit hardest around 3pm.
Caroline Hughes, marketing director at plant-based food company Gosh!, which sponsored the study, emphasised: “Lunch is a crucial opportunity to nourish your body and set you up for the afternoon”.
A recent study has shed light on the lunchtime habits of Brits, revealing that taste and convenience are the main drivers behind our midday meal choices, with 59% favouring flavour and 50% opting for ease.
The research also highlighted a worrying gap between what we know is good for us and what we actually do – although 80% understand the benefits of fibre, a mere 23% manage to eat their recommended five portions of fruit and veg a day.
According to the findings from OnePoll.com, a whopping 79% of people consider clean ingredients when pondering their lunch options.
The study further revealed that nearly half of the respondents (49%) prepare plant-based lunches, while 60% aim for low-carb options.
An impressive 67% of those surveyed acknowledged the impact of their lunch choices on their productivity levels in the afternoon. Moreover, 42% identified a lack of concentration as a major sign of the dreaded afternoon slump.
Nutritionist Laura Tilt, collaborating with Gosh!, emphasises the need for a proper lunch break, suggesting it takes 37 minutes to enjoy a well-rounded one.
They stated: “Brits are not great at taking lunch breaks, but a proper pause in the day can help restore energy, improve focus and reduce stress.
“As a nutritionist, I will always preach about the importance of eating a well-balanced nutritional lunch to make sure you are prepared for a productive afternoon.
“That’s why we are encouraging workers to set aside 37 minutes and reclaim their lunch to fuel their mind and body the right way.”
HOW TO TAKE THE 37-MINUTE LUNCH BREAK:
20 mins to eat
As food reaches your gut and nutrients begin to be absorbed, hormones that signal fullness to your brain starts to be released.
But this takes time – up to 20 minutes. So if you eat in a rush or while distracted (we see you, inbox), it’s easy to miss those signals.
10 minutes to move
Adding 10 minutes of low-intensity movement like a full body stretch or a walk can lift your focus and mood for the afternoon ahead.
Short activity breaks are also a great way to reduce muscular tension and counteract some of the negative health effects that are linked with sitting at a desk for long periods.
Seven minutes for a mental reset / restorative activity Engaging in 5-10 minutes of a mentally restorative activity can help you and give you a mental reset before the afternoon.
