Nearly half of Brits (46%) find their lunch breaks during the working day “boring” – with 58% wishing they knew how to make better use of this time, a study has found.
A poll of 2,000 working adults revealed that 46% feel uninspired about how to spend their precious minutes not working during a typical day – with one in three feeling inclined to simply keep working just to get things done.
In fact, employed Brits waste almost half of their allocated lunch break time each month, only taking a full lunch break on 11 out of their 20 working days.
Even when they do take a “break”, they spend 23% of this time completing work tasks – and will typically cut their lunch break short on six days a month, taking just 13 minutes each time.
And on one in five days each month, workers will simply work through the day without taking a single break – wasting an average of 36 minutes of break time allocated to them.
This adds up to 56 hours of break time a year that Brits are simply “giving away” by not using it.
However, half of those polled are keen to use their respite from work to better themselves, and possibly learn a new skill.
Consequently, Philadelphia, which commissioned the research, has partnered with language learning app Babbel, to offer 1,000 adults one month’s free access to any of its language courses.
The study also found workers' uninspired approach to lunch breaks isn't limited to what they do or don't do during this period of the day.
It's reflected in what they eat, too – with just 4% going out their way to avoid eating the same lunches on repeat.
Nancy Galvin, brand manager for Philadelphia UK, said: “Coming up with new ideas for what to have for lunch isn’t easy – it might seem like there’s only a limited range of options available.”
Top reasons for taking short lunch breaks, or no lunch break at all, are due to tight deadlines (35%), or feeling overwhelmed with work (48%).
However, when they do get time to switch off for a while, many are seemingly at a loss at what to do with themselves, with 46% lacking inspiration to think up something to do.
But 38% would like to do more walking during that time, while 31% would like to read books, and 21% would like to meditate.
Others would like to learn a language (17%) or try creative writing (16%).
The study, carried out through OnePoll, also found that, during a typical working month of 20 days, those polled will bring their own homemade lunch into work 12 times.
And the most popular food options are sandwiches (59%), fruit (38%), and salad (33%).
Esteban Touma, Babbel Live Teacher, said: “Lunch breaks are a time for people to step out of their work roles, have something to eat, and shift their focus.
“Bite-sized language learning can be an excellent way to spend a lunch break – not only is it beneficial for a person’s mental health, it also provides some time for you to make progress on your language journey.”
Discussing Philadelphia's drive to liven up lunch breaks, Nancy Galvin added: “We’re delighted to partner with Babbel, encouraging UK workers to make their lunchtimes simply better.”
