Lunch is for Wimps?Looking at the ever shortening “Lunch hour” and the consequences of its erosion

In the words of Gordon Gecko...

In the words of Gordon Gecko...“Lunch is for WIMPS”

Recent times have seen the traditional “Lunch Hour” attacked from all sides.Let us look at the state of the Lunch hour today...

The Lunch hour used to be just that...

The Lunch hour used to be just that...An hour of the day where workers had some time to catch a bit to eat, socialise with colleagues and have some time to relax.

The Lunch hour used to be just that...An hour of the day where workers had some time to catch a bit to eat, socialise with colleagues and have some time to relax. The logic of this being that workers would return to work rejuvenated and ready to work hard until the days end.

The Lunch hour used to be just that...An hour of the day where workers had an hour in which they could catch a bit to eat, socialise with colleagues and have some time to relax. The logic of this being that workers would return to work rejuvenated and ready to work hard until the days endBring on the rest of the day!

The Lunch hour used to be just that...An hour of the day where workers had an hour in which they could catch a bit to eat, socialise with colleagues and have some time to relax. The logic of this being that workers would return to work rejuvenated and ready to work hard until the days endBut times are changing!

The Lunch hour used to be just that...An hour of the day where workers had an hour in which they could catch a bit to eat, socialise with colleagues and have some time to relax. The logic of this being that workers would return to work rejuvenated and ready to work hard until the days endBut times are changing!UH OH...

...And changing in quite a literal way. The lunch hour, it would seem... Is no longer an hour.

...And changing in quite a literal way. The lunch hour, it would seem... Is no longer an hour.A recent survey by Steelcase, a US based office furniture company revealed that the lunch hour...Lunch “Hour”

...And changing in quite a literal way. The lunch hour, it would seem... Is no longer an hour.A recent survey by Steelcase, a US based office furniture company revealed that the lunch hour...Now stands at an average of 31 minutes. Lunch ... ½ Hour?

...And changing in quite a literal way. The lunch hour, it would seem... Is no longer an hour.And...55% are taking less than ½ an hour per day A recent survey by Steelcase, a US based office furniture company revealed that the working hour...Now stands at an average of 31 minutes. Lunch ... ½ Hour?

KFC recently conducted a US-wide survey on the matter of “Myths in the workplace”

KFC recently conducted a US-wide survey on the matter of “Myths in the workplace”And unsurprisingly...

KFC recently conducted a US-wide survey on the matter of “Myths in the workplace”And unsurprisingly...67% of respondents named the lunch hour:

KFC recently conducted a US-wide survey on the matter of “Myths in the workplace”And unsurprisingly...67% of respondents named the lunch hour:“The greatest myth of office life”

Although this reduction in the lunch hour might at first seem solely an American development, the trend is certainly becoming more global

Although this reduction in the lunch hour might at first seem solely an American development, the trend is certainly becoming more globalIt is estimated that the lunch hour in the UK now stands at20 mins

Although this reduction in the lunch hour might at first seem solely an American development, the trend is certainly becoming more globalIt is estimated that the lunch hour in the UK now stands at20 minsWith workers across the water in Ireland enjoying a comparatively high 35 mins

But who or what is behind the ever reducing lunch hour?

But who or what is behind the ever reducing lunch hour?Most people will cite demands from the employeras the main reason for the extinction of the lunch hour

But who or what is behind the ever reducing lunch hour?And although management may contribute to the situation... A huge force behind the situation is...

The EMPLOYEE

The EMPLOYEEWe aren't even all that hungry... Honest...

So... Why are people dining “Al Desko”?

Why?In tougher economic times, and with competition in the workplace at an all time high, employees see the lunch hour as a dispensable luxury...

Why?In tougher economic times, and with competition in the workplace at an all time high, employees see the lunch hour as a dispensable luxury...Hays recruitment a UK based recruiter found 41% of employees believe that:

Why?In tougher economic times, and with competition in the workplace at an all time high, employees see the lunch hour as a dispensable luxury...Hays recruitment a UK based recruiter found 41% of employees believe that:“Taking less than their allocated lunch break shows increased commitment to their employer"

Those who skip lunch tend to cite increased productivity, being guided by the intuitive logic that by skipping lunch they are gaining extra time to work

Those who skip lunch tend to cite increased productivity, being guided by the intuitive logic that by skipping lunch they are gaining extra time to workHowever like most things in life – its about the quality, not quantity of time spent at work

Those who skip lunch tend to cite increased productivity, being guided by the intuitive logic that by skipping lunch they are gaining extra time to workHowever like most things in life – its about the quality, not quantity of time spent at work8hrs + 1 hr(not taken as lunch)

Those who skip lunch tend to cite increased productivity, being guided by the intuitive logic that by skipping lunch they are gaining extra time to workHowever like most things in life – its about the quality, not quantity of time spent at work8hrs + 1 hr(not taken as lunch) ≠9hrs of productive work

Bev Smallwood, a workplace psychologist,warns that although workers may be spending more hours at their desk, this is not necessarily a good thing:

Bev Smallwood, a workplace psychologist,warns that although workers may be spending more hours at their desk, this is not necessarily a good thing: “Burned out workers don't treat customers the way they need to be treated”

So counterintuitively skipping lunch may HARM your performance in the workplaceBev Smallwood, a workplace psychologist,warns that although workers may be spending more hours at their desk, this is not necessarily a good thing: “Burned out workers don't treat customers the way they need to be treated”

Taking a proper lunch break also has beneficial effects for an employees general wellbeing:

Taking a proper lunch break also has beneficial effects for an employees general wellbeing:“I joke sometimes that smokers are the healthiest people in the workplace these days, because they get outside”Debra Brown Volkman, Career coach

Debra also recommends getting out of the office altogether, stating that:Sunshine is good for the mind body and soul

So...

So...Some might say that “Lunch is for wimps”

So...Some might say that “Lunch is for wimps”However the experts will tell you that a good lunch hour is good for:

So...Some might say that “Lunch is for wimps”However the experts will tell you that a good lunch hour is good for:Your health

So...Some might say that “Lunch is for wimps”However the experts will tell you that a good lunch hour is good for:Your healthYour performance

So...Some might say that “Lunch is for wimps”However the experts will tell you that a good lunch hour is good for:Your healthYour performanceYour work/life balance

Who is correct???

Who is correct???Well... you can decide for yourselfBut I think I’ll be taking the full hour

Don’t forget to Vote!!!

www.cube1986.blogspot.comEdward FidgeonKavanaghE: edward.fidgeon-kavanagh@hotmail.com