Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Work poll: What do you do during your lunch break (if you get one)?

Getty Images

Getty Images

Everybody gets a lunch break, right? Most employers, by law, must allocate time for lunch breaks. But, depending on the company culture, lunch can be a quick bite at your desk as you keep working. If you're self-employed, well, it's up to you whether you step away from work to eat or take a midday break.

It seems what we do with that lunch break is all over the board. A survey by Experience, Inc. found that lots of us work right through it, though it's not an overwhelming majority. Most people (16 percent) say they socialize during lunch, followed closely by the 15 percent who say they, you guessed it, work.

Impressively, another 12 percent say they read. (It doesn't say whether they are taking reading breaks on their computers at their desks, or reading newspapers or novels, but another 7 percent said they surf the web during a lunch hiatus.)

From there, it's a mix: 8 percent exercise, and the same percentage that watch TV. Others go for walks, many with their dogs. Some rest, pray, do homework, shop and do errands, and, when they're due, pay bills. Read the article on Yahoo! HotJobs for the full picture. Then let us know: What do you do during your lunch break -- if you actually get one?
Syndication:

From the Community…

Comments 1-10 of 51
  • Ronald G's Avatar
    Posted by Ronald G Thu Sep 18, 2008 4:52pm PDT

    downtown chiago metra train trarsportation lunch shopping trip

    Report Abuse
  • Ronald G's Avatar
    Posted by Ronald G Thu Sep 18, 2008 4:56pm PDT

    downtown chiago metra train trarsportation lunch shopping trip

    Report Abuse
  • Teri G (Snyder)'s Avatar
    Posted by Teri G (Snyder) Thu Sep 18, 2008 7:16pm PDT

    I take at least 20 minutes to read my Bible. Jan 1, I started reading in the book of Mathew, and I am barely starting Genesis right now. I've learned a lot:)

    Report Abuse
  • Caitie's Avatar
    Posted by Caitie Thu Sep 18, 2008 10:27pm PDT

    Read the paper and enjoy my dinner typically. My other job is part time so I typically don't get a beak.

    Report Abuse
  • duces's Avatar
    Posted by duces Fri Sep 19, 2008 12:33am PDT

    Walk at my lunch hour.

    Report Abuse
  • mustang_girl's Avatar
    Posted by mustang_girl Fri Sep 19, 2008 5:48am PDT

    I read at my desk while I eat, then go for a 30 minute walk.

    Report Abuse
  • Camilla's Avatar
    Posted by Camilla Fri Sep 19, 2008 7:50am PDT

    I'm lucky enough to live about a mile from where I work so I go home during my lunch hour. I get to take the dogs out, eat a nice dinner, watch the noon news and sometimes I take a little cat nap.

    Report Abuse
  • laura's Avatar
    Posted by laura Fri Sep 19, 2008 8:33am PDT

    I work on my novel. I get a full hour, so I get as far from my desk as possible and write furiously for 45 minutes. Then I come back and eat my lunch while I get back to work. :-)

    Report Abuse
  • Tomi's Avatar
    Posted by Tomi Fri Sep 19, 2008 8:36am PDT

    I'm lucky to live in a small town, so I normally drive home or run errands. I hate the hustle of 12:00p.m. lunch hour so, I'm trying ways to "not" deal with it.

    Report Abuse
  • Caramel Cake's Avatar
    Posted by Caramel Cake Fri Sep 19, 2008 8:56am PDT

    Most of the time I eat and work stright through my lunch break. Sometimes my boyfriend comes by and we go to a nearby restraunt or something. But most of the time I am working or sitting at my computer checking my emails, as I eat.

    Report Abuse
Comments 1-10 of 51

leave your comment

You must sign in to post a comment

Sign In for personalized information

New User? Sign Up

Health Byte

When you need to rehydrate, do you grab a Gatorade or automatically reach for a soda? We weigh the pros and cons of each drink.