How Long Do You Take for Lunch?

The lunch "hour" may be a concept of the past, new research from staffing firm OfficeTeam suggests.

More than half of workers (56 percent) said their typical lunch break lasts 30 minutes or less. Besides eating, respondents said they most frequently surf the internet or social media (52 percent), followed by catching up on personal calls or emails (51 percent). That's up from 27 percent and 25 percent, respectively, from a 2014 survey.

Twenty-nine percent of professionals confessed to working during lunch.

"Even if only 30 minutes or less are available due to workloads or company guidelines, professionals should try to maximize lunch breaks to relax and recharge a bit," said Brandi Britton, district president for OfficeTeam. "These days, people are quick to turn to their mobile devices to pass the time, but it can be a nice change of pace and good for relationship building to eat with colleagues."

OfficeTeam offers five tips for workers to maximize lunch breaks:

1. Have a well-balanced meal. Don't skip what a midday break is intended for: eating. Choose nutritious foods that provide energy for the rest of the day.
2. Get to know colleagues. Socializing with coworkers or your manager over lunch can strengthen connections. You could also network with contacts from other departments.  
3. Track professional goals. Use the time to meet with your mentor to discuss career progress.
4. Step away from work. Getting out and taking a real break can help you return to the office more productive. Try exercising or walking to clear your mind.
5. Take time for yourself. Running errands or taking care of personal tasks during lunch can result in a shorter to-do list later.