Workers “give away” 56 hours a year by working through their lunch breaks

The study found that employees work their entire shift four days a month without a single break and take less than their allotted time six times a month — typically 13 minutes each time.

And since respondents’ average break time is 36 minutes, that means they’re effectively wasting 56 hours a year.

But even when respondents manage to take a break, 58 percent said they wish they made better use of it.

Almost half (46 percent) described this part of their workday as boring, so half wanted to use their break from work to improve and possibly learn a new skill.

As a result, Philadelphia, which commissioned the research, has partnered language learning app Babbel, To offer 1,000 adults free access to one of its language courses for one month.

The study also found that workers’ uninspired approach to their lunch break isn’t limited to what they do or don’t do during that time of the day. This is also reflected in what they eat, with only four percent making a great effort not to eat the same lunch repeatedly.

Nancy Galvin, Brand Manager for Philadelphia UK, said: “It’s not easy coming up with new ideas for lunch.

“It may seem like there is only a limited range of options.” It also found that even during a “break,” respondents spend 23 percent of allotted time on work-related tasks.

The top reasons for short lunch breaks or no lunch breaks at all are feeling overwhelmed by work (48 percent), tight deadlines (35 percent), and a propensity to keep working and getting things done (33 percent). .

However, when they have time to switch off for a while, many seem at a loss as to what to do with themselves, with 46 percent lacking inspiration as to what to do.

Although 38 percent would like to walk more during this time, 31 percent would like to read books and 21 percent would like to meditate.

Others want to learn a language (17 percent) or try creative writing (16 percent).

The study, conducted by OnePoll, also found that during a typical 20-day work month, respondents brought their own homemade lunch to work 12 times.

And the most popular foods are sandwiches (59 percent), fruit (38 percent), and salad (33 percent).

Esteban Touma, Babbel Live Teacher, said: “Lunch breaks are a time when people can leave their work tasks behind, eat something and refocus.

“Learning languages ​​in bite-sized amounts can be a great way to pass a lunch break; Not only is it beneficial for a person’s mental health, but it also gives you some time to progress on your language journey.”

Discussing Philadelphia’s efforts to revitalize lunch breaks, Nancy Galvin added, “We’re excited to partner with Babbel and encourage British workers to simply make their lunch breaks better.”