NATIONAL TAKE BACK THE LUNCH BREAK DAY | June 24
On June 24 each year, North American workers celebrate National Take Back the Lunch Break Day to promote worker happiness and productivity.
#TakeBackLunch
There’s been an increasing trend to take less frequent and shorter lunch breaks, affecting employee morale and well-being. According to Gallup, only one in three employees are engaging at work. Because engagement affects productivity, happiness and job satisfaction, employees and employers across North America need to step up to the plate – the lunch plate that is!
According to a 2017 study commissioned by Tork, an Essity brand, employees who take lunch breaks are more likely to report being efficient at work and satisfied with their jobs. The survey reveals that nearly 90 percent of employees consider the ability to take a lunch break critical when accepting a new job. However, once they are on the job, the average lunch break is less than 30 minutes for more than half of North American workers – barely enough time to purchase a meal, let alone enjoy it.
That is why Tork created National Take Back the Lunch Break Day to help improve workplace morale, satisfaction, and productivity across North America.
HOW TO OBSERVE #TakeBackLunch
Break the cycle of skipping lunch or eating in front of a computer. Get away from your desk and enjoy some fresh air, a real lunch, and some social interaction. There are several ways to help you get away for lunch:
- Set a reminder on your phone telling you to take lunch. Then take it.
- Get a buddy who will take lunch with you. Then go outside, to the break area or anywhere away from your desk for lunch.
- Pack a lunch that requires a little prep work. Whether it’s in the microwave or needs some mixing up, you’ll want to step away from your desk to do it.
- Schedule lunches with friends or family. Go to the daycare for lunch or invite an aunt or uncle to lunch at a park.
Use #TakeBackLunch to share your lunch break experience on social media.
NATIONAL TAKE BACK THE LUNCH BREAK DAY HISTORY
Tork created National Take Back the Lunch Break Day in 2018 to counter the decline of the employee lunch break in today’s 24/7 work culture. According to research conducted by Tork, employees who take a lunch break score higher on a wide range of engagement metrics, including job satisfaction and productivity. The Tork Take Back the Lunch Break idea is simple: with more workers taking their lunch break, we can improve workplaces and worker happiness!
In May of 2018, The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed the celebration to be observed on the third Friday in June, annually. In June of 2022, National Take Back Lunch Day was moved to June 24 and will be celebrated as such going forward.
