Work/Life Balance
Out to Lunch

Do you eat lunch at your desk? Not taking a proper lunch breaks can increase your stress levels, decrease your concentration levels and kill creative thinking.

Most of us have experienced the “holiday idea flood”. When we are on a holiday, great ideas and solutions to problems flow because we relax and can see past putting out fires and dealing with competing demands.

This same effect can be stimulated by taking a good lunch break. If at all possible, go for a walk at lunch. Some fresh air will do your brain some good by breaking up an 8 hour dose of re-circulated air.

The BC Employment Standards Act states that
”An employee must not work more than five hours in a row without a 30-minute unpaid meal break. An employee available for work during a meal break must be paid for the meal break.” http://www.labour.gov.bc.ca/esb/esaguide/

If you find that your boss expects you to work through your lunch you may want to have a chat and explain that in order for you to be more productive, you are planning to take a noon hour exercise class or start a walking club. Creating a structured activity to do can make it easier to negotiate your health and wellness plan.

If you work in a union environment, check with your health and safety committee and union collective agreement language to see what support is there for you. Many unions take health and wellness very seriously and are there to help support you get your well deserved lunch break.

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Do you have questions or comments regarding this article? Email Joni Rose at joni@careerminded.ca