47% Of Gen Z Employees Skip Lunch Breaks Out Of Guilt: Report

This trend seems rooted in a culture of relentless productivity that took hold during the pandemic. A 2020 study by Freshly revealed that 60 per cent of remote workers felt guilty about taking breaks

Experts advocate for a cultural shift within organisations to encourage healthier work habits

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A recent study has shown a concerning trend among Gen Z workers: many are skipping lunch breaks due to feelings of guilt. ezCater’s 2024 Lunch Report reveals that nearly half of Gen Z respondents—47 per cent—miss lunch two or more times each week. Interestingly, while 50 per cent of these young professionals consider lunch the "best part of the workday," they are four times more likely than Baby Boomers to feel guilty about taking a break from their tasks.

This trend seems rooted in a culture of relentless productivity that took hold during the COVID-19 pandemic. A 2020 study by Freshly revealed that 60 per cent of remote workers felt guilty about taking breaks, fearing it would harm their productivity. Unfortunately, these feelings have persisted. A February 2024 survey conducted by OnePoll for Pacific Foods found that many 9-to-5 workers across the United States continue to forgo essential breaks, reported Moneycontrol.

While 87 per cent of employees recognise the importance of breaks for personal wellness, only 38 per cent actually step away from their desks during lunch. This contradiction reveals a significant issue, as a staggering 98 per cent of participants acknowledged that taking breaks could improve both job performance and overall happiness, according to the New York Post.

The study surveyed 5,000 full-time employees to uncover the reasons behind this reluctance to take breaks. It found that 23 per cent of respondents feared that stepping away would impede their ability to complete work, while 19 per cent cited excessive meetings as a barrier to taking a lunch break.

Experts advocate for a cultural shift within organisations to encourage healthier work habits.

Kaushik Subramanian, Chief Revenue Officer of ezCater, highlighted that lunch breaks are essential for fostering team cohesion and enhancing employee well-being. He suggested that providing lunch could incentivise employees to take the necessary breaks, noting that 58 per cent of hybrid workers would be more likely to work onsite three days a week if their employers offered free meals.