Survey Reveals Lunch Break for Nearly Half of Workers Is 30 Minutes or Less; Most Spend That Time Socializing With Colleagues
MENLO PARK, Calif., Jan. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- A new OfficeTeam survey may bring new meaning to the phrase 30-minute meals. Nearly half (48 percent) of workers interviewed said their typical lunch break lasts 30 minutes or less. More than four in 10 (42 percent) reported that, aside from eating, they spend this time socializing with colleagues, while 29 percent admitted they work during lunch breaks.
The survey of office workers was developed by OfficeTeam, a leading staffing service specializing in the placement of highly skilled administrative professionals. It was conducted by an independent research firm and is based on telephone interviews with more than 400 U.S. workers 18 years of age or older and employed in office environments.
Workers were asked, "What is the average length of your typical lunch break?" Their responses:
| Less than 10 minutes/no break |
9% |
| 10-15 minutes |
5% |
| 16-20 minutes |
2% |
| 21-30 minutes |
32% |
| 31-45 minutes |
11% |
| 60 minutes or more |
38% |
| Don't know/no answer |
4% |
| 101%* |
*Responses do not total 100 percent due to rounding.
Workers also were asked, "Aside from eating, which of the following activities do you usually engage in during your lunch break?" Their responses**:
| Socialize with coworkers |
42% |
| Work |
29% |
| Surf the Web or social media |
27% |
| Catch up on personal calls or emails |
25% |
| Run errands |
25% |
| Exercise or take a walk |
18% |
| Read |
3% |
| Nothing, just eat |
1% |
| Other |
4% |
| Don't know/no answer |
3% |
**Multiple responses permitted.
View an infographic of the research results on lunch breaks.
"Lunch breaks aren't just for eating -- they provide time to clear your head and recharge," said Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam. "Workers also can use their lunch breaks to get to know colleagues better and build their professional networks."
OfficeTeam offers five tips for making the most of your lunch break:
- Take a real break. As much as possible, avoid doing work during your lunch break so you can use the time to truly relax and recharge.
- Bon appetit! Getting the proper nutrients will provide the energy you need to get through the rest of the day. Go ahead and take the time to savor your food!
- Get out. Step away from your desk to clear your mind and stretch your body. Take a walk outside or exercise at the gym.
- Don't eat alone. Join coworkers in the break room or grab a bite with others outside the office. Your lunch break is a great opportunity to socialize with colleagues and make new networking connections.
- Check items off your list. Taking care of personal tasks during lunch can mean there's less to worry about after work.
About OfficeTeam
OfficeTeam is the nation's leading staffing service specializing in the temporary placement of highly skilled office and administrative support professionals. The company has more than 300 locations worldwide. More information, including online job search services and OfficeTeam's blog, can be found at officeteam.com.
SOURCE OfficeTeam
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