Over a third of workers within the capital have admitted to skipping lunch to keep up with the demand of their job, a recent survey has revealed.

The Lacklustre Lunch Breaks Survey, from Just Eat for Business, asked the region’s employees about what they eat on their lunch break, what they would change about their break, and how it impacts their productivity and positivity at work.

Almost half of workers (48%) are missing out on mandatory breaks as a result of being too busy, and 17% said that they simply don’t have the time to fit lunch into their working day.

This means that if workers in London aren’t able to eat in their allotted break – whether due to workload or other factors – they’ll have to wait until the end of the working day to get food.

Skipping lunch can also exacerbate issues related to stress, as the NHS states missing meals can result in weight gain, low mood, mood swings and dizziness.

But the excessive workload isn’t the only issue London workers face when it comes to trying to prioritise their lunch – as the survey also found that 22% don’t feel motivated enough to make daily lunches for work, with 1 in 4 then admitting to struggling to find motivation after the lunch hour.

With this in mind, it’s important that employers set aside some provisions to make sure their workforce can get some sort of sustenance during the working day.

Tom Baxter, Account Management Director at Just Eat for Business, commented on the findings: “It’s not recommended that people skip lunch, as it’s important to fuel ourselves during the working day – and it’s particularly sad that many feel they have to do so due to time constraints.”

“If London employers are unable to extend lunch breaks, they need to make sure that their employees are able to eat regularly, and well. A good way to do this is to schedule catered lunch breaks that can be enjoyed amongst team members, as this promotes a social atmosphere – and makes sure everyone has time to rest and refuel at work.”

Other results detailed in the survey include how often workers find themselves eating the same thing for lunch, and how people feel after they return to work from their lunch.

To see the full results of the Lacklustre Lunch Breaks Survey, please visit: https://business.just-eat.co.uk/blog/lacklustre-lunch-breaks