Break for Lunch!

Fewer than one in five North Americans break from work to have lunch, according to a recent Right Management survey.

According to the study, which polled 1,023 North American workers in September and October 2012, 39% of employees say they lunch at their desk.

But 28% report seldom taking any break whatsoever.

All in all, 81% are not taking what used to be considered a real lunch break.

When asked "Do you regularly take a break for lunch?" the following responses were recorded:

    19% Yes, almost always
    39% Yes, but usually stay at my desk
    14% Only from time to time
    28% Seldom, if ever

Increasing anxiety about workload and workplace demands drives us to skip lunch, says Michael Haid of Right Management, the global workforce solutions organization that conducted the survey last fall. And, of course, grinding away nonstop all day can only breed more stress.

So we say break the cycle: Break for lunch. Stand up, walk outside, see some daylight, eat something nourishing, taste your food, breathe, chat. Regain your perspective. Or try some Chairobics!