Balancing lunch and the workplace

Where do about one-third of workers eat their lunch?

If you said, “At their desks,” you would win the prize.

That’s what was found in an online survey of 751 North American workers, conducted this month and last by Right Management, the workforce consulting arm of the ManpowerGroup.

Thirty-four percent of respondents said they do regularly take a lunch break, but usually stay right at their desks. Another 31 percent said they take lunch breaks only seldom or from time to time.

As for those wolfing down lunch within arm’s reach of their computers and phones, “whether it’s a true break is open to question,” said Joseph Johnson, Right’s talent management practice leader for the Northeast, including Long Island operations.

There’s a value to people’s stepping away to clear their heads, reduce tension and boost energy, he said in a release.

Also, desk eating can lead to overeating, says MaryAnn Jones, a certified health coach in Manhasset. “If you’re not focused on your food, your body isn’t getting signaled that it’s being nourished and satisfied.”

Even the busiest of people should try to spare a minimum of 15 minutes to step away, she says.

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