The 16 minute lunch break...

The 16-minute lunch hour that most of us are taking

By LOUISE ECCLES
Last updated at 2:23 AM on 27th September 2010

Stressed out workers are taking an average of just 16 minutes for their lunch breaks, according to figures released last night.

A survey found two thirds of employees now ate their lunch at their desks or while they were still working, while one in ten claimed they never got a lunch break.

Pressures at work means most people are taking just a quarter of their hour-long entitlement.

The Lunch Breaks report, commissioned by WindSetlers gel capsules, found just three per cent of the 5,000 adults polled took the full 60 minutes. 

Stressed out workers are taking an average of just 16 minutes for their lunch breaks, according to figures released last night

Human resources managers were found to take the shortest breaks, with more than half taking just 10 minutes to eat their lunch.

The most leisurely breaks were enjoyed by customer services workers, with six out of 10 clocking off for the full hour, regardless of their workload.

 

Nutritionist Dr Chris Fenn said: ‘Skipping lunch is a common trend and can be very bad for your health. 

'Eating quickly means you’ll swallow more air than usual, putting extra strain on your digestive system. This trapped air can cause pain and discomfort, so try to slow down and enjoy your meal.’

The research also found that a quarter of workers have moved to packed lunches since the start of the recession in a bid to cut costs.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1315482/The-16-minute-lunch-hour-taking.html#ixzz10ik7Jidj