New study finds 61 per cent of Canadians skip lunch break

A new study suggests working through lunch could be holding productivity back.

A new study suggests the Canadian lunch is “disappearing,” as poll results from Factor Canada show 61 per cent of Canadians skip their work lunch break altogether.

For those who do take lunch, the study shows two in five people eat it at their desk.

“If you have a balanced meal, looking at your carbohydrates, your protein… that is a good first step. An even better step is to get away from the desk, go for a walk, see other people, maybe get a, get some fresh air while you’re having that really balanced meal,” says Tanya Ter Keurs, a nurse practitioner at NiaHealth.

“People will skip lunch thinking that you’re going to get that little bit more productivity out of yourself. But really, it sets you up for less productivity throughout the day. Your energy levels go lower, you can’t think so clearly,” says Ter Keurs.

Still, many agree that a lunch break is a chance to refuel and recharge.

Thirty-eight per cent of respondents who took a lunch break said it reduced stress, 25 per cent say it fostered stronger connections, while 24 per cent say it powered afternoon productivity.

“Just to continue to sit down your desk at 9:00, not move until 4:00. Sometimes you have to if you have a lot of work, but on a regular basis, just stopping and eating or eating with friends and discussing work or games and stuff that is very important for your overall health,” says Robert Thompson, a Halifax visitor.

Ter Keurs says there are many ways to avoid skipping lunch, even if it means eating at your desk. One option being meal prepping.

“That can be really helpful…and to make sure there is fiber, proteins, vegetables…a really balanced meal,” says Ter Keurs.

Factor Canada says The Harris Poll Canada conducted the survey overnight on Aug. 22, with 961 randomly selected employed Canadian adults “who are Maru Voice Canada online panellists."

“The results have been weighted by age, gender, region, and education (and in Quebec, language) to match the population, according to Census data,” it added.