Each month we feature a question from our friends at Business Management Daily’s Admin Pro Forum. Please enjoy engaging in a conversation over this month’s question.
Question:“I’m starting to feel a little natural pressure to eat lunch at my desk—not because I’m so busy, and not because anyone’s recommended it, but just because there are so many people around me who do it, and I get the feeling that when I leave the building for lunch, there’s the perception that I’m not quite as dedicated as others are. Simply staying in my cubicle seems to give off the impression that I’ve never broken stride, even though I’m simply eating and browsing the web. Has anyone else felt this way? Do you think you gain points somehow when you stay desk-bound (but idle) at lunch as opposed to heading out?” – Maeve, Publishing Admin
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In my current position, I am in the same situation. Many people around me eat lunch at their desk; in fact my boss rarely takes lunch, and I too, have been caught up in the race for productivity and have eaten at my desk while working. However, I have found it is easy to get burned out doing this. As an assistant to a busy executive, our jobs are fast paced and stressful, and our bodies need a break. Leaving the building or just my desk for lunch is rejuvenating. I come back recharged, mind cleared, ready to hit the pavement running. I have even found that solutions to issues that I have been gnawing on come to me once I disengage. Regardless of what everyone else is doing, you need a break to stay on top of things and I have been proactive in trying to dissuade the perception that lunch while working shows dedication by talking to my coworkers about it. I’ve started conversations by saying, “I don’t know how you work through lunch, day in and day out. I need to get away for lunch so I can be productive in the afternoon.” I’ve found many coworkers agree with me and even start going out more. Some have said they eat at their desk, not because they are trying to get things done, but because they don’t want to go out. It is my goal this year to take a lunch break each day and though I am not yet perfect at doing it, I have already seen great improvements in my mental and physical stamina throughout the day.
In my office, many people go out of the building at lunch time. I either ho home or go for a swim down the street at the YMCA, my boss goes for a jog (he’s a marathon runner), and many others go out. Not very many of us stay in at lunchtime unless absolutely necessary.
I find that getting out at lunch helps me to de-stress, enjoy the fresh air, and even network with other people I meet at the pool. When I get back to the office, I’ll eat at my desk while digging into the afternoon work. I think it’s healthy for you to get away from the computer and stress for that hour (or even half hour). Otherwise, you end up feeling mentally exhausted at the end of the day.
I have made peace and refuse to be guilty to take lunch (outside my office) or leave on time. My husband and I have lunch every day, its a time to unwind (no we dont work together – I am married for 21 years and have been doing this ever since – – it is set boundaries!.) it also gives us time to chat about our first part of the day and I use him as a sounding board to cope with some issues being a Director himself.
If either of us has a meeting which goes thru our lunch we take it earlier or I hide in a corner on the premises and chill.
Also working late – my husband and I have set boundaries with our Bosses, my time is important to me and my family and I have a life after hours so don’t waste it. Keep me on my toes for the hours I am in the office, after which I have things to do at home either training or studying or just spending time with family and friends but it is important and a balanced life.
Nailed it! My exact philosophy and yup, I have lunch with my significant other as well (keeps communication open and the marriage strong). Guilt is a self imposed perception…if you are delivering on your work at a high standard, what you do with your time is no one elses business. I find many a time that people get angry at the things they wish they had the guts to do themselves, but do not…taking a lunch religiously every day may fall into this category for those that are giving you the “stink eye”.
I avoid eating lunch at my desk if possible unless I’m working on urgent stuff or close to the start of a meeting. It is the only time I get out of the office for a breather & ‘de-clutter’ my brain. We need some “Me time” throughout the course of the work day.
I work at a non-profit where rarely anyone goes out for lunch and I eat at my desk almost every day. I think it is a good idea to go out, as that clears your mind and enables you to be refreshed to begin your afternoon.
One bad thing about eating at your desk – I am still reading emails, etc. Even though my door is partially closed to my office, my CEO will still enter if he needs something.
Not only is it OK, it is a necessity…It took me years to realize this. I was in a past position where I came in early, rarely left for lunch, and stayed late. I kept this same routine in a new position (which I have been in for 2 years), until my Executive “insisted” that I take a break. At first, I did feel very guilty about it, I must admit. I really did not mind sitting at my desk and eating…keeping caught up with my daily tasks. However, now I look forward to the time for “me time” to refresh my own mental well-being. There are days with deadlines or Breaking News where I might need to stay at my desk and eat, but those are far and few between. Take a break, get away from your desk and spend sometime with yourself. You will be amazed how much better you will feel and how much more you will accomplish.
I always leave my desk for lunch, whether it is to the company cafe or going outside completely. Everyone needs a mental break, and your one-hour lunch is your time unpaid by the company. So there is nothing to feel guilty about. From my over 30 years of experience, working through a non-company paid lunch does not gain you points. What it does is set you up for stress and potentially failure later. Doing something different and stepping outside the box for lunch should be welcomed, even if for your own health and wellness.
Great question! I do not feel that anyone gains any points by staying at their desk during their lunch break. On the contrary, it is important to your productivity to step away from your surroundings to refresh your brain. Of course, there will always be times when the day’s agenda will dictate whether you need to stay close by for things like high level executives or guests coming on site and needing assistance, or setting up and clearing up lunch meetings, etc., but other than those days, do feel free to get away. However, make sure you always return on time; as long as you always return on time no one will question your lunch breaks. 🙂
Where I work, most of the people do stay at their work stations, but I go out and walk. I find not only does it help me focus when I come back in, but it actually inspires others to be more active. On rainy or snowy days, coworkers and management admire my dedication and encourage me on my quest to a healthier self. Others have joined me in my walks and have commented on how much they enjoy just being out and away. At my previous company, I did the same thing and by the time I left, there were “groups” of walkers.
I personally don’t believe that just because someone stays at their desk all the time that they’re more dedicated or even busier and more productive than anyone else. I’ve worked with plenty of people who attempted to give that impression and they were among the least productive in the office. Besides, do you want to bow down to peer pressure or stand out? If you’re doing your job well, it shouldn’t matter either way. Good luck!
I am a non-exempt employee and I get a half-hour for lunch. It’s not enough time to go anywhere, so eating in the break room is an option. I used to take a lunch, but I’ve been so busy for the last few years, I don’t take a lunch break anymore. I eat at my desk, but that’s my choice. If I took a lunch break, nobody in my department would notice or care. It’s my time to do with what I will. Since I’m not allowed overtime, by the end of the week I’ll have accrued too many hours so I can come in late or go home early on Friday. That’s been my MO for a few years now. I just need to make sure I’m getting in 40 hours or I’d have to use PTO if I took off more than that.
I wouldn’t gain or lose any points for taking a lunch break. I’m grateful my boss isn’t a micro-manager. As long as I get my work done and don’t go over 40 hours, he’s happy.
Who are you feeling pressure from? Other Admins?
Maybe if you start taking lunch, they will feel unburdened to do the same.
If you are granted a specific lunch hour and company policy doesn’t restrict leaving the campus, what you do on that hour is your prerogative, your privilege. From much of the HR information I have received, it is highly suggested you take a break from your desk, change atmosphere, take a breather. So, if you feel so inclined as to take lunch away from the office, do so.
On the same note: maybe those folks are staying at their desks to play a computer game, read a book or chat with a friend. Maybe, they are trying to catch up on what didn’t get done during regular business hours.
You don’t win any awards for putting in the most time. You need a break, both mental and physical, so definitely take the break. I find taking breaks improves my productivity.
As long as you are getting your work completed and showing up on time, I would not be all that worried about what people other than your immediate supervisor think.
I find companies that encourage that type of behaviour, even subtly, are thankfully becoming fewer in number. It’s very short sighted on a corporate level not to encourage people to take a break now and again.
I totally agree.
You should not feel guilty for leaving your desk, office or building for lunch. This is time needed to recharge your batteries and get a clear head. I am guilty of staying at my desk many days during lunch, but I can tell you I am so much more productive and feel better when I do not.
It’s your time. Do something good with it.
I do not feel it gives the impression of being “not as dedicated” if someone leaves their desk for lunch as long as they typically return on time. In fact, I envy those that do get away. I prefer to eat at my desk to check emails, avoid the heat or cold, avoid the rift raft (company not in the best area of town), keep myself from spending money…etc. But, I do not judge others that want to get away.
I think that by getting out for lunch helps to clear my mind and forces me to regroup and come back refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of the day. I believe there is time to meet deadlines /projects and requires me to having a working lunch, but that should never be the norm.
I believe that if you leave your desk for lunch you will come back more refreshed and ready for the afternoon. You may feel like you haven’t ‘broken stride’, but you are more likely to slump at 2 or 3 o’clock, and become less productive. Google ‘studies about eating lunch at desk.’
I think it is far more important to role model the self-care practice of leaving your desk for lunch. It’s better for your stress level, your brain, and significantly improves productivity.
I feel the same way. Everyone seems to watch me when I leave. But I need a break from the office. I leave everyday. I do a good job and I don’t really care what others think.
I think that little break in the day is much needed to recharge. It isn’t for a very long period of time, one half to one whole hour in the middle of an 8 + hour day. In fact, at my company we are encouraged NOT to eat at our desks, as it can get messy and look unprofessional to clients coming in. Plus, we are very family and health-oriented and our president understands the need to take a break and recharge.
Yes, it is okay to leave and do lunch or just get up and walk away. Come back refreshed and invigorated. Rally the team, you/they everyone needs the break.
I force myself to leave the office for lunch at least once a month. If my department could chain me to my desk, I would be here 24/7. For my sanity, I need to get away from my desk. I try going to the break room to eat but often get interrupted. Yes, I am that busy and the more I do, the more I am given to do.
This question speaks loudly to me. Most of my co-workers eat at their desks, which makes me feel as if I should as well. However, part of my duties is to act as receptionist, and I feel it looks unprofessional to be eating at my desk when people come up to my work station. I have had to force myself to step away for a proper lunch break, and I look forward to hearing others’ opinions on this topic.
I make it a point to leave my desk for lunch. It’s my time — unpaid time at that! Plus, I find that if I eat at my desk I do not get a break as people constantly approach me for something with the “oh, you’re eating — I just need a minute”. I don’t always leave the building, but I do leave my desk. The only time I stay is if I work through lunch on a tight deadline and that’s rare. If it’s unpaid time, I don’t see how people can blame you for not being dedicated. Just make sure you get back on time. Even if you’re salaried, stepping away is still recommended by all the articles I’ve read. Take a break — you deserve it!
I leave the office for lunch when I need to. I feel no remorse about it at all and do not feel that it appears I am not as dedicated as others. I get my work done when it is supposed to be done and I do it to the best of my ability. I can also add that I was one who at a previous job took work home at night, stayed late and came in early. When the company closed and it was time to decide who would stay and who would need to go it was not me who was chosen to stay, even though others did not appear as dedicated as I was. I do not feel that brownie points will be earned by staying at the desk during lunch time. The lunch hour is my time. I am not paid to be on duty during that time so I take that time for a mental break.
My office discourages “working” through lunch. Everyone leaves including the VPs. The only time I stay at my desk at lunch is when I am making up time for a doctor’s appointment. It is important to get away and take a breather. A company should recognize that fact in my opinion.
Absolutely! That hour away from the office and the accompanying stress is precious to me. I rarely eat in – usually only when there is snow and ice on the ground and I don’t want to get out. I need that break away from everyone and everything going on at the office. I know I’m lucky that I live within two miles of my office, so my commute is just seven minutes, if I hit the lights right!