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ezCater, the #1 food tech platform for workplaces, today released its third annual Lunch Report, revealing new insights into employees’ lunch habits. Although 98% of employees recognize the benefits of lunch breaks on job performance and productivity, nearly half (49%) skip lunch altogether at least once a week. Employees cite fear they won’t have enough time to get their work done (23%) and having too many meetings to take a break (19%) as key reasons they skip the lunch break.
“Lunch breaks are often sacrificed due to tight schedules, but they can play a major role in bringing people together and improving employee well-being,” said Kaushik Subramanian, Chief Revenue Officer, ezCater. “Organizations can be intentional in encouraging employees to take a break, and bringing in lunch is a great way to do that.”
This year, ezCater surveyed 5,000 full-time U.S. employees, uncovering how lunch breaks influence job performance, satisfaction, and well-being across generations and regions. Additional findings from ezCater’s 2024 Lunch Report include:
Lunch breaks are losing ground: While employees recognize that lunch breaks can enhance job performance (98%), happiness (51%), and mental clarity (49%), only 38% take a break away from their desk every day during lunch.
Gen Z workers are least likely to break for lunch: Despite half (50%) considering it the best part of the workday, 47% of Gen Zers miss out on lunch twice or more per week. Gen Zers are also four times more likely than Boomers to feel guilty for taking a break from work.
Inflation bites into lunchtime: 78% of employees say inflation has impacted their lunch habits, with 36% opting for cheaper alternatives, 31% purchasing fewer meals, and 22% leveraging value menus, discounts, coupons, or loyalty programs.
‘Little Treat Culture’ sweetens the workday: A trend that gained popularity on TikTok has become an office norm, especially among younger workers. Employees seek out small food treats for energy (53%), as a reward (42%), or stress relief (38%), with 87% of Gen Z enjoying treats weekly—the most of any generation.
Free lunch boosts work attendance: Nearly 6 in 10 hybrid workers (58%) would work on-site 3 days a week if their employer provided free lunch.
