Almost 50% of workers eating lunch at their desks

Almost half of all workers in the UK regularly find themselves eating lunch at their desks, according to a new survey that has just been published.

This survey was carried out by Jukebox Marketing and 2,000 workers from across the UK took part in it. The results found that two out of every five of them has to eat lunch at their desks on a regular basis, because they are too busy to take a lunch break. That adds up to 44% in total. A further 60% told the survey that they have to bring a packed lunch in with them, to save money.

The findings have sparked calls for HR departments to remedy the situation through culture change. Among the suggestions that have been put forward are promoting a healthy work/life balance, creating special break areas in workplaces and training for managers.

These are all clear steps that can be taken, either by an organisation’s own department or by outsourced HR services in Hertfordshire. In most cases, a mix of training and new policies is likely to be needed.

Anna Schiavetta works for Blacks Solicitors as an employment lawyer. She spoke to HR Magazine about the issue, saying:

“Managers should lead by example, taking their own lunch breaks and short breaks throughout the day to grab a coffee, tea or snack.”

Schiavetta then went on to add that the atmosphere of a workplace can help to foster a healthy balance. She suggested that the addition of coffee machines and kitchens would encourage workers to take breaks.