Let’s be honest—most of us have been guilty of working through lunch. One more email. One more meeting. One more “quick task” before taking a break that never happens. But according to a new report from ezCater, that skipped sandwich might be hurting more than your hunger levels.
94% of employees say that taking a lunch break improves their performance—yet more than half admit to skipping lunch at least once a week. A third do it twice or more. So, if we know breaks help us work better, why aren’t we taking them?
The Pressure to Keep Performing
It’s not about lack of appetite—82% of employees say they look forward to their lunch break (up 12% from last year). Instead, many skip it because of pressure to “look productive.” For Gen Z, it’s an even sharper double standard. They’re the most likely to love lunch yet also the most worried about how it looks to their boss if they take one. And what’s the result of pushing through? Hanger. Yes, hunger-fueled irritability is real—and 84% of workers admit they’ve felt it at work. Most experience increased frustration, lower focus, and diminished productivity.
Lunch Inflation and the “Working Lunch” Trap
Even those trying to do better aren’t truly disconnecting. Nearly two-thirds of workers eat during meetings, and of those who block time for breaks, fewer than half step away. Add on the fact that 74% of employees say inflation has changed how or where they eat—and it’s clear lunchtime has become a stress point.
A Simple Fix for a Better Workplace
The truth is that lunch isn’t a luxury—it’s a reset. Regular meal breaks help reduce burnout, lift mood, and boost job satisfaction. As hybrid work evolves, companies that encourage meaningful breaks—real, phone-down, step-away moments—will see happier, more productive teams.
So, the next time noon rolls around? Grab your lunch. Step outside. Take that breath. Because a break isn’t “time lost”—it’s fuel for the rest of your day.
Portions of this article originally appeared on the Allwork website.
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