Lunch breaks might seem like a small part of the workday, but skipping them comes with big consequences for productivity, morale, and even mental health.
According to a new report from ezCater, 94% of employees say taking a lunch break improves their performance. Yet despite this, more than half (51%) admit to skipping lunch at least once a week, and a third (33%) say they miss it twice a week or more.
Why are workers missing something so essential? It’s not for lack of appetite.
The report shows 82% of employees look forward to their lunch break, up 12% from last year. The problem seems to lie in work pressure, poor boundaries, and a growing culture of “performing” productivity — especially among younger employees.
Gen Z Feels the Pressure Most
Gen Z workers, often praised for championing work-life balance, are in a tricky spot when it comes to taking a break. They’re the most likely generation to say lunch is their favorite part of the workday, yet they’re 110% more likely than older colleagues to worry that their boss disapproves of them taking a proper lunch.
This internal conflict creates a culture where workers keep working through hunger, and it’s affecting more than just their stomachs.
“Hanger” Is Hijacking the Workday
84% of workers say they’ve experienced “hanger” — hunger-fueled irritability — at work. More than half report feeling less focused, more frustrated, and less productive as a result.
And even when employees try to prioritize lunch, it often turns into a “working lunch” instead. The research found that 63% eat lunch during meetings, and nearly one-third do this every week.
Of those who set calendar reminders or block time to eat, less than half (42%) actually use that time to step away and eat.
Inflation Is Reshaping Lunch Habits, Too
It’s not just workplace dynamics that are changing lunchtime — economic pressures are playing a role as well. 74% of workers say inflation has changed how and where they eat lunch. From bringing food from home to skipping meals altogether, workers are adjusting their habits to stay within budget.
A Missed Opportunity for Engagement and Wellness
What’s clear from the data is this: lunch is a reset. Regular meal breaks contribute to lower burnout, better mood, and higher job satisfaction. In fact, 56% of Gen Z and millennials say lunch breaks directly impact their happiness at work.
As companies continue to navigate hybrid schedules, flexible work environments, and evolving employee expectations, making space (and time) for meaningful breaks could be a simple yet powerful way to improve workplace wellbeing.
