Do you or your employees take your “lunch break” at your desk?  What are the reasons you feel compelled to work while eating?  Today, it is more common for employees to eat while at their desk than it is to take a true break.  One might think that this shows the employer either dedication to the job or the need for help due to being swamped.  The truth is that not only is it not healthy to stay at your desk, in terms of Human Resources compliance, it is also not recommended. 

According to a recent Talent Management survey, 34 percent of employees surveyed said they were “very likely to take lunch while sitting at their computer.” 15 percent indicated they only took lunch occasionally, while 16 percent said they only seldom took a break. The problem with this trend in the workplace is two-fold.  First, studies have shown over the years that when we respect our bodies and give it rest, we actually perform better.  Staying at your desk and looking at a computer screen for over eight hours a day leads to brain fog, vision difficulties and fatigue.  Breaking away for even a few minutes allows your body and mind to renew and energize making it easier to think and perform your job.  Thus, productivity increases as does accuracy.

Secondly, although Federal law does not mandate that an employer provide lunch or other breaks, many States do.  Here in Colorado the law requires that employees whom work over five hours a day be offered a 30 minute unpaid break. The employee has the right to not take the break if desired; however, it is in your best interest to encourage the employee to break away.  In addition, a compensated ten-minute rest period for each four hours of work must be provided to all employees. 

If you have questions regarding employment regulations or general human resources practices, please call us at 303-466-7864 or email info@StaffScapes.com  to learn more about our services.