Marketing

Taking a lunch break benefits diners, restaurants

Photo by istock.com

September 6, 2022

Taking that lunch break, an act nearly 40% of people do occasionally, rarely or never, offers up a slew of benefits to both dining patrons and restaurants.

A hefty majority, 94%, of workers acknowledge they're happier when they're able to take a break, according to a Tork survey, which also reported a lunch break has positive effects on employee engagement and productivity. In addition, the lunch break helps support local restaurants.

Tork is an Essity brand and leader in workplace hygiene. Its survey also revealed nearly a quarter of those polled, 22%, feel guilty or judge if they step away from work midday, according to a press release on the findings.

The survey also noted that as boundaries between work and home have blurred given the work-from-home trend that ignited with the COVID-19 pandemic, a lunch break provides a way to refuel and recharge which is more important than ever.

Tork found women are over twice as likely (67%) not to take a break than men (33%). And, when women do take a break, they are more likely to spend the time doing household chores (22% versus 14%).

In response to the trend Tork launched a Take Back the Lunch Break campaign in 2018 and continued the effort earlier this summer by encouraging workers to "Take a Break with Takeout," according to the release.

The survey found that even as in-person dining returns, ordering takeout provides a lift to both workers and restaurants — 52% of respondents reported feeling less stress knowing they didn't have to cook or clean, and 44% said it felt good to support local small businesses.

"This has been a year of change and disruption, but one bad habit that has remained constant is the lack of a meaningful lunch break," Penni Tsavaris, brand communications manager, professional hygiene at Essity, said in the release.

Additional survey highlights include:

• 94% of employees agree that taking a break gives them a chance to take a step back and get a fresh perspective.
• 91% of employees and 93% of bosses agree or strongly agree that taking a break is an important part of maintaining their mental focus.
• 88% of employees and 91% of bosses say they return to work feeling refreshed and reenergized after taking a break.
• More than 9 in 10 employees say they are more likely to stay at a company where bosses encourage their employees to take a break.