Workday Lunch Rush is Slowing Down: What it Means for Offices and Restaurants

Going out to lunch for an hour used to be part of the American worker’s daily routine, but as this Wall Street Journal article shows, it’s become a tradition few can find time for anymore. Today, if an employee reserves a seat for lunch, it’s most likely in her office.

But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. There are economic and personal benefits associated with dining “al desko.”

• Better Business: Even though the classic “power lunch” between business people of the 80’s and 90’s has become a thing of the past, American employees are more productive than ever. Productivity rates increased 75% from 1979 to 2012. It’s safe to say we accomplish more sitting at our desks than in a restaurant booth.
• Family Matters: Enjoying lunch at our desks can improve life at home too. Working from 12pm to 1pm could mean working until 5pm rather than 6pm. Getting home an hour earlier means something different to everyone. But most of us agree that the extra time is beneficial, whether it’s spent at a little league game or on the couch with a glass of wine.
• Downsizing: Research shows that eating with others is a good way to unknowingly pack on the pounds. We tend to eat 44% more when we’re eating with a friend. And bad news for you social butterflies, we consume almost twice as much food (96%) when we’re eating in a group of seven or more.

Okay, but what about the restaurants?

The disappearance of the classic lunch hour may be good for businesses and employees, but it is hurting some restaurants. According to the aforementioned WSJ article, lunchtime sales are down 2% compared to last year. Of course, we’re biased, but we believe bringing restaurants directly to offices may be the solution. We help increase food sales (on average by 20%+), and give employees direct access to authentic food at work from 1,000+ highly-rated restaurants across the country.

Whether you work for a company that pays for its employees lunches, or if your employees buy their own lunch, there are plenty of solutions to bring fresh food into the office.