Don’t Take Lunch at Your Desk

Many office workers take lunch at their desks. They grab a sandwich and carry on working. The old habit of going out for a lunch break is in decline. But there are some compelling reasons to go out for lunch with someone instead of eating at your desk:

Eat Out

Sitting at your desk all day is linked to various health issues. Walking to a cafe or restaurant, even a short distance, gets you moving and can help counteract the negative effects of prolonged sitting. Stepping away from your workspace reduces stress and mental fatigue. A change of scenery and social interaction can improve your mood and help you return to work feeling refreshed and more focused.

Sharing a meal is a great way to build rapport with colleagues, clients, or friends. It fosters trust, encourages open communication, and can lead to stronger professional and personal connections. Furthermore, taking a relaxing lunch with a colleague can stimulate creativity. Discussing ideas outside the office can lead to fresh perspectives and innovative solutions that might not emerge in a typical work setting. Lunch with a larger group can open doors to new opportunities or collaborations. You never know who you might meet or what conversations could lead to.

Eating in a group can encourage engagement and motivation. A study by Kevin Kniffen at Cornell University studied the habits of firemen. It found that those that shared a meal during the working day performed better. A study in the USA by Tork found that people who took a lunch break every day scored higher on job satisfaction.

Don’t sit all day and slump into cognitive decline. Go out and enjoy your lunch break!

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This post was previously published on Destination Innovation.

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