Taking a full hourís break for lunch is back in fashion, as more and more workers decide they need a rest from their stressful working day. According to new research, one third of office staff pop out to the pub three or more lunchtimes a week. FirstAssist, the leading health and wellbeing provider, supports people taking proper breaks for lunch and is suggesting that businesses encourage their staff to take a break and look at offering staff facilities for them to be away from their desk including providing rest rooms or even gym facilities.
In recent years, the work hard, play hard ethic has been replaced with just work hard. But trends are starting to change, employees are using their lunchtime break to relieve the daily stress and establish a better work-life balance. Stress related illness now costs the UK 4billion annually* and businesses hold the key to minimising this burning issue. FirstAssist is urging employers to see the lunch hour as a good time to boost moral and to encourage staff to go out together and to re energise themselves away from the pressures of their busy day.
Tim Ablett, Chief Executive of FirstAssist comments, ìThe average lunch break was reported to be just 27 minutes with the majority of people eating their lunch at their desks**. This latest research suggests that the full lunch break is back in vogue, which is a positive sign that businesses and employees are recognising the importance of a healthy work / life balance. Employers need to realise that a happy, energised workforce is a healthy and more productive one. By encouraging staff to take time out, businesses can boost morale and help staff bond, which will make them work well together and relieve the pressures causing modern day stress. ì
If you are writing an article on stress or employee wellbeing, FirstAssist is available to provide expert commentary and advice on this and a range of employee and business healthcare issues. For further information please contact Madeleine Roles or Justine Russell on 0208 977 9132 or email justine@harrisonsadler.com
* Mental Health Foundation January 2004
**Eurest Lunch Break Survey 2000
The official lunch hour is back!
FirstAssist sees the lunch break as positive way to combat work stress
