Even on the busiest days, it’s important to connect with peers
On a busy workday, the lunch hour offers employees that much-needed respite from work-related stress – and an opportunity to connect with peers.
A new study, however, showed most Canadian workers would rather spend their lunch break “screened in” than to mingle with co-workers.
OfficeTeam, a Robert Half staffing company, asked Canadians what they do on a typical lunch break apart from eating. While 45% said they spend some face time with office friends, others turn to their devices:
- 49% surf the web or social media
- 38% catch up on personal calls or emails
- 32% continue working
Other lunch time pre-occupations include exercising or taking a walk (31%), running errands (27%), and reading (25%).
The study also found more than half of workers (54%) spend only half an hour or less for lunch, with some even skipping their midshift break altogether.
“Even on the busiest days, it's important for professionals to maximize the time they’re given for lunch and try to step away from their desks to refresh and refocus for the afternoon,” OfficeTeam District President Koula Vasilopoulos said.
Socializing with co-workers can help “cultivate a greater feeling of camaraderie and overall happiness at work,” said Vasilopoulos.
OfficeTeam also recommends five quick tips for spending the lunch hour:
- Have a well-balanced meal.
- Get to know colleagues.
- Track professional goals.
- Step away from work
- Take time for yourself.
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