The humble lunch break has undergone remarkable transformation according to a new report by Just Eat for Business, created in partnership with Chartered Workplace Psychologist, Dr Audrey Tang.
Once just a midday pit stop, the lunch break has become prime time for recharging, reconnecting, and resetting - away from desks. It’s reshaping office culture with better food, more inclusive moments, and shared dining that truly brings people together.
The “More Than a Meal” report, which surveyed over 2,000 British workers found that:
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56 per cent of Gen Z takes their full lunch break, compared to just 36 per cent of Gen X - highlighting a significant generational shift in work-life balance
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Despite its reputation for fast-paced work, Londoners (53 per cent) are the most likely to take their full lunch break
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59 per cent would be more inclined to recommend their workplace to others if food was provided
Matt Ephgrave, Managing Director at Just Eat for Business, said: “We’re seeing a significant shift in lunch break habits, moving away from hurried, isolated desk dining toward intentional moments of rest and social connection.
While remote work offers flexibility, it's equally important to make sure daily, informal interactions like sharing a meal with colleagues is encouraged when people are in the office. These shared interactions play a vital role in fostering workplace camaraderie and mental wellbeing. This simple yet powerful ritual remains a key ingredient in building stronger teams and boosting overall job satisfaction."
The report findings
Gen Z leads the lunch break revolution + social dining makes a comeback
Gen Z are leading the lunch break reclamation charge, reversing decades of shrinking breaks and desk lunches. Fifty-six per cent of Gen Z report taking their entire break consistently, significantly higher than Gen X at 36 per cent and Baby Boomers at just 22 per cent. This marks a decisive shift toward establishing healthier work-life boundaries, prioritising wellbeing in a way that previous generations failed to recognise.
Gen Z now views lunchtime as the new happy hour. More than half (58 per cent) of office workers now say they'd rather catch up with colleagues over lunch than socialise after work. And the Just Eat for Business order data backs it up: orders for buffets and platters jumped 42 per cent in 2024, with pizza orders soaring by 37 per cent.
This generation is also leading the lunchtime social scene, with 66 per cent dining with coworkers at least once a week - outpacing Millennials (55 per cent) and Gen X (36 per cent). Even the top bosses are getting involved, with 70 per cent of C-suite execs joining the lunch table at least weekly.
Food at work: A strategic business tool with tangible returns
For employers, feeding the team is no longer just about curing hungry employees- it’s a tool for business success. Two-thirds of employees (66 per cent) say it helps them power through the day, 57 per cent feel more connected to their team, and 51 per cent are more likely to go the extra mile.
And it’s not just about productivity - 67 per cent feel more appreciated when meals are provided, and 63 per cent say it helps dial down the stress, showing a tasty lunch isn’t just a perk - it’s a recipe for happier, more engaged teams.
Chartered Psychologist Dr Audrey Tang said: “Food is a need that represents far more than sustenance in the workplace – it’s a fundamental building block of human connection and organisational culture.”
To view the full ‘More Than a Meal’ report click here.
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