Ergonomics Tips: Don’t Eat Lunch Alone at Your Desk
Post By: Celeste McLaughlin, Ergonomics Manager
Produced by: Solutions Northwest, Inc. (Ergonomics Experts serving Washington, Oregon, and California)
“65% of American workers say they eat at their desk or don’t take a lunch break at all.” – Right Management Human Resources Survey
In an era of multi-tasking at work, it may be tempting to “save time” by eating alone at your desk or in your office. But is it really more efficient to eat alone at your office desk or is it a bad habit?
If you eat at your desk, you are not alone. Studies show that 65% of American workers eat at their desk or skip it altogether, that means only 1 in 3 workers take an uninterrupted lunch at their job.
3 reasons why you should avoid eating your lunch alone at your desk:
1) Eating lunch with co-workers is a networking opportunity.
Eating can be a social activity and one you can share with your co-workers or staff on the job. Connecting with your fellow employees could help you get that job promotion in the future or stay in the mind of others for other work opportunities.
If you must work while you eat, consider scheduling the lunch with your co-workers in advance, so that you can all work and eat together.
2) Social Isolation is bad for your health.
People with strong social relationships may increase their odds of a longer life by as much as 50% according to plosmedicine. Being isolated or alone could negatively affect your health, leading to “compromised immunity and inflammation, heart disease, and other chronic issues.” National Institute on Aging
3) Uninterrupted meal breaks are a great way to reset the workday.
According to Lyle Sussman of the University of Louisville, “taking an uninterrupted meal break is healthy, increases job efficiency and improves morale.” Increased job efficiency and a healthier you will not only be good your personal health, but for the company itself. After your uninterrupted lunchbreak, you will feel refreshed and be able to finish the workday out without feeling so overwhelmed and stressed out.
In Conclusion
Being unhealthy in the workplace can lead to loss of focus, which could lead to errors or injury at the work place. As ergonomics experts, Solutions Northwest wants to make sure your workplace remains a safe and healthy environment for all.
Be sure to share these tips with the rest office workers or employees. For more guidance on all work related health and safety issues, visit SolutionsNW.com or Contact Us for more information.
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