Around two-thirds of UK office workers regularly eat their lunch at their desks, and the once–customary ‘lunch hour' is becoming ever shorter. Snatching bites to eat between emails has become the norm, with workers striving to save time and remain productive. But is having lunch at your desk really that efficient? And what toll is it taking on our mental health?
Eating lunch away from your desk boosts productivity, reduces stress, and improves creativity and focus. Whether it’s a walk, a team lunch, or a quiet break in a communal space, having a proper break can lift your mood and give you energy for the rest of the day.
In this article, we discuss the many benefits of taking lunch away from your desk and how working within a flexible workspace can transform your lunchtime routine.
Increased productivity and creativity
When lunchtime rolls around, staying put at your desk may seem like the most efficient plan. Time to catch up on admin while you grab a quick bite to eat, right? It's the norm for so many of us.
However, while it may seem counterproductive to tear yourself away from the desk when you are snowed under, it might actually be the most beneficial thing you could do to boost your energy and productivity.
Getting away from the desk at lunch, even just for 20 minutes, is proven to help sustain concentration and energy and avoid the dreaded afternoon slump.
Working in a flexible office space makes it easier to take a break, with communal areas available for a change of scenery. In a serviced office like Arena’s, employees can access break-out areas and multiple private seating places designed to help them recharge, refocus, and work more effectively.
Effective team-building
Studies have found that teams that eat lunch together – away from their desks – form closer personal relationships with their colleagues, helping them work more cohesively.
If your office has flexible workspaces, like sofa areas or break rooms, consider bringing your team together for a spot of lunch once a week. It's a great opportunity to refresh your minds, make connections and relax before cracking on with your afternoon tasks.
Promote health and well-being
Productivity and socialising aside, perhaps the most important reason to ditch the desk lunch and take regular breaks is to improve your health.
Physical health
The sedentary lifestyle of an office worker does not lend itself to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Studies have found that prolonged sitting can have serious health implications, impacting the circulatory system, immune function, musculoskeletal system and metabolism. This results in a greater risk of diabetes, persistent back problems and heart disease.
A quick lunchtime stroll each day is all it takes to reduce these risks and substantially improve your overall well-being.
Studies have also shown that desk-bound office workers often make poor food choices, relying on unhealthy snacks as fuel for the working day – which brings its own set of health issues.
Mental health
Taking a break from your desk helps clear your head, fight stress, and avoid overwhelm. Moving around can boost your mood, help you refocus, and beat the post-lunch slump. Plus, it makes it easier to switch off at the end of the day, helping to maintain a good work-life balance.
Lunchtime walks are particularly effective for reducing stress and improving overall health. Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, which naturally lift your mood and help combat workplace stress. Even a short, 30-minute walk can enhance relaxation, boost energy levels, and ease nervous tension, making the afternoon far more productive.
Flexible office space with communal break areas can also improve mental well-being. The ability to step away from your desk, switch off from work pressures, and focus on something completely different can help lower stress levels and boost overall mood.
For home workers, taking regular breaks is just as important. Without a structured office environment, it’s easy to let work blur into your personal life, increasing the risk of burnout. Stepping away from your desk for a short walk or lunch in another room helps create clear boundaries and improve long-term well-being.
By making regular breaks part of your routine, you’ll not only feel better but also work more effectively, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable approach to your working day.
What are some good alternatives to eating at my desk?
Make a promise to yourself today and escape the confines of your desk this lunchtime!
- Go outside – Get out of the office altogether, and you're bound to come back in a better mood. Find a bench, picnic table or even a dry patch of grass and breathe in the fresh air as you eat. This is especially important if you drive to and from work, as a bit of daylight will help top up your vitamin D.
- Head to a break-out area - If you work in a flexible office, take advantage of it and find a space to enjoy lunch. At Arena's 11 offices, employees can head to one of many communal break-out areas, including a rooftop terrace at our Grosvenor House office in Basingstoke.
- Have lunch with your coworkers. Lunchtime is a great time for socialising with colleagues. Designate today a desk-free lunch day and find a communal area or outside space to eat lunch together. If you want to make it a regular event, consider a weekly theme or take turns bringing a treat to share!
- Find a quiet spot – If you spend your working day communicating with clients or in back-to-back meetings, it can be important to find some personal space. Grab your earbuds or a book (avoid screens if possible) and find a quiet table for one. If your office lacks break-out space, you could head outside or to a local cafe for a quiet coffee.
Looking For A Flexible Workspace?
If you are a business owner searching for a new, flexible workspace, Arena could be the perfect place for you. We offer a choice of premium serviced offices across the South, boasting some of the most impressive and thoughtfully designed interiors on the market. These include break-out areas, private working booths and collaboration areas, business lounges, and much more, all of which are included in the fixed monthly cost.
For more information on our locations or the availability of any of our spaces, please contact our team or fill out a simple online enquiry form.
FAQs - the benefits of having lunch away from your desk
Why do I get so tired after I eat lunch at work?
The dreaded afternoon slump is often caused by a lack of movement following lunch. Sitting too long after eating can slow down circulation and digestion, making you feel tired and foggy-headed. A quick walk or some stretching can help you feel more energetic.
Why is it important to take breaks from the computer?
Staring at a screen all day can lead to eye strain and headaches. Taking regular breaks, especially at lunchtime, can give your poor eyes a rest and improve concentration, leaving you refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of the day.
Will taking a lunch break reduce my productivity?
If you've ever woken up at night with a fresh solution to a problem, you'll know that we often have our best ideas when our brains are at rest! So, while it's tempting to crack on with work during lunch, a proper break can actually enhance creativity and problem-solving. You'll return to your desk refreshed and ready to tackle the afternoon head-on.