Life is good but our one-hour lunch is a mere munch

LIFE may be good but stress levels are higher and lunch breaks shorter according to two surveys launched yesterday.

A study of employees’ midday meal routines found the Irish one-hour lunch is closer to a 35-minute munch - a four-minute drop on 2002.

The survey, conducted by business catering company Eurest, found that a cuppa is still the afternoon drink of choice and booze is on the way out. Just one in 100 surveyed admitted to drinking during lunch hour. The survey shows 6% of people attend the pub during lunch, compared with 9% two years ago.

The study also found four out of five Irish workers take a lunch break in comparison to just 57% of workers in Britain. And we spend an average of €4 on lunch, slightly up on the Northern Irish figure of €3.40 (£2.21).

For the main meal of the day, Irish consumers are choosing sandwiches, salads and soups over stodgy carvery lunches. Just one in five are eating in the staff canteen.

For all the talk of rising obesity levels, two-in-five Irish workers want healthier eating menus in their staff restaurant, while 26% would like on-site fitness facilities and 15% would like 15-minute exercise sessions at work.

Managing Director of Eurest Ireland, Mike Molloy, claimed work was now putting the squeeze on lunch hour like never before.

“Maybe the emphasis is shifting from one lunch break to other slots spread throughout the day,” Mr Molloy added.

Despite shorter lunch breaks, our quality of life here is good, according to a second survey, although many of us are stressed and have problems with family and at work.

Commissioned by the alcoholic drinks company Diageo, the Quality of Life report found people in the south tend to have a fairly relaxed attitude to work and a very cynical attitude towards institutions, particularly the government and the media.

Amárach Consulting surveyed 1000 adults in the south, 200 non-nationals living here and 400 people across the Border. Questions were centred on personal happiness, family life, health and finances.

It found that financial well-being has increased and people believe the family is a key driver of feeling good.

Food for thought

Average length of time given to lunch - 35 minutes.

86% of Irish workers take a lunch break.

The average spend on lunch is €4, but we spend another €5 on snacks a day.

Sandwiches and baguettes are favoured by two-thirds of workers, followed by soup and salad.

64% have a cup of tea; mineral water is second choice.

Lunchtime activities after eating - 33% relax, 21% socialise and go for a walk, 4% work through lunch, 15% have a cigarette, while 5% enjoy a nap.