Lunch makes the workday go round, according to ezCater’s newly published 2024 Lunch Report. But despite being a highlight for many, employees just aren’t getting to enjoy their well-deserved lunch breaks.

We surveyed 1,000 full-time employees and 4,000 workers across ten major U.S. cities to find out why. The answers were surprising: it’s not a lack of hunger — it’s full schedules, rising food costs, and lunchtime guilt. And now, more than ever, lunch breaks are key for employee success.

So what could forward-thinking leaders do to fix this lunch crunch? The 2024 Lunch Report, which you can download below, proposes some solutions. But first, let’s dig into the survey data to better understand how workplaces got here.

Employees say lunch breaks help boost their moods — and productivity

The 2024 Lunch Report uncovered that lunch is an important meal for employees, despite their busy workdays. It’s not just because food gives them a boost of energy — it also boosts their mood. More than half (51%) of workers surveyed report feeling happier after taking a lunch break.

It makes sense. Who wouldn’t love the opportunity to step away from their workstation (even if just for 30 minutes) to grab something to eat? And the perks of mid-day breaks don’t end there. Because happy and well-rested employees tend to be more productive, it’s no wonder 98% say that breaking for lunch improves their performance.

Busy schedules are pushing lunch off the table

And yet, the Lunch Report found that employees aren’t taking the breaks they crave. Nearly half (49%) admit to missing lunch at least once a week. One-third miss it even more often, at least twice a week.

Those are shocking numbers, especially when you know how big of a role lunch plays in employee well-being and productivity. So what could be the reason?

Time constraints, for starters. Twenty-three percent of surveyed workers say they fear they won’t have enough time to get all their work done if they take a midday break. Looming deadlines, full inboxes, and other responsibilities are keeping employees glued to their desks (and increasingly hungry).

Having a packed schedule is another explanation. For 19% of employees, taking a lunch break just isn’t possible because of back-to-back in-person and virtual meetings. And since 61% of Americans say eating during a meeting is unacceptable, that leaves those employees lunch-less for the day.

Younger employees feel the hunger pangs the most

Employees of all ages are missing their lunch breaks. But looking even closer at the data, a curious trend emerges: it’s the youngest who miss it most.

For 47% of Gen Z employees, skipping lunch at least two times per week has become a routine. That’s more than Millennials (38%), Gen X (27%), and Baby Boomers (19%).

It’s not because young workers aren’t interested in mid-day breaks. Quite the opposite. The Lunch Report found that Gen Z are the most likely to say that lunch is their favorite part of the workday. And they’re making an effort to eat it: 44% of Gen Z employees regularly block lunch time on their calendar — they just don’t always get to use it.

Lunchtime guilt may be what’s driving this generational divide. More than any generation, Gen Z feels guilty taking a break from work to eat. Maybe they fear their coworkers will label them as “lazy” for stepping away from their desks. Or maybe they feel they need to prove their work ethic to their bosses.

Tight budgets are causing workers to reimagine their routines

One thing that’s affecting workers of all generations is inflation. As food costs rise, a majority of workers (78%) admit to changing their lunch habits at work. For many, that means choosing cheaper lunch options or sticking to a stricter budget for eating out.

“Lunch-flation” has even pushed 31% of workers to buy lunch out less often. Now, brown bags packed with homemade meals are making an appearance in offices nationwide.

Employees aren’t thrilled about these choices. In fact, 73% feel that meal prepping takes away from their free time. Instead of unwinding after a long day, or enjoying the weekend with their loved ones, workers find themselves in the kitchen. The result? Feeling stressed before the workday has even begun.

Little treats are the new self-care work ritual

With lunch-flation on their minds and an empty stomach, employees are turning to little treats for relief. What was once a social media fad has become a workplace phenomenon.

As you might have guessed, Gen Z are the biggest little treat fans: 87% have at least one weekly. But it’s not just Gen Z that’s given into the little treat culture. One-third of all workers enjoy at least one little treat a day. And even if it isn’t a daily thing, most employees have incorporated little treats into their weekly routine, with 76% enjoying them at least once a week.

Candy, pretzels, donuts — you name it. No matter if they’re salty or sweet, workers are grabbing these spontaneous snacks for a boost of energy, a reward, and a stress reliever.

The lunch break revival may be on the horizon

Despite all the changing habits and new trends, one thing remains the same: lunch is king. Employees feel happy, less stressed, and more energized after enjoying a satisfying meal. And according to the 2024 Lunch Report, that can have a big impact on companies’ bottom line:

• Retention: Even if workers are satisfied with other office perks, free lunch is what makes them stay. Employees who are satisfied with their current employer are more likely to work for a company that pays for lunch at least once a week.
• Attendance: A majority of hybrid employees (58%) say they would work at least 3 days on-site if they were offered free lunch.
• Productivity: Nearly half of workers (49%) feel that taking lunch breaks gives them more mental clarity, helping them feel less burnt out.

The data is clear: encouraging healthier (and happier) work habits around food is good for business. Ready to end the hunger pangs in the workplace? Download the 2024 Lunch Report to read all the survey results and discover actionable strategies to make lunch the perk that keeps on giving.