In German offices, efficiency is often equated with long to-do lists, tightly scheduled meetings and maximum availability. Breaks, on the other hand, are quickly seen as a luxury or as something that you can do “at some point later”. A current survey by Edenred confirms this trend: 46 percent of employees in Germany do not take enough time for their lunch break. It has long been proven that sensibly designed breaks can increase productivity by up to 20 percent, as a study by the International Labor Organization shows. The exciting thing is that breaks don’t have to be particularly long to have an effect. Even a 30-minute lunch break (the minimum period required by law and the usual standard for many employees), combined with consciously designed recovery time, can be enough to regain energy and reduce fatigue.
The crucial question is not how a company can get more working time per employee, but rather how the existing time can be used better. And this is exactly where the lunch break comes into focus.
Breaks are not a nice-to-have, but rather a performance driver
Concentration, creativity and decision-making ability cannot be accessed endlessly. Those who work long hours lose focus more quickly, make more mistakes and are more susceptible to mental exhaustion (source). A conscious lunch break counteracts this: it interrupts stress patterns, supports regeneration and helps the brain process information better.
However, for breaks to have this effect, they have to be more than just a quick snack at your desk. You need time, space and, most importantly, support from the company.
Ten practical tips for better lunch breaks in everyday work
1. Managers as role models
Break culture starts at the top. When managers eat on their laptops or schedule appointments over lunchtime, it sends a clear signal. On the other hand, anyone who visibly takes a conscious break shows that relaxation is part of work and it is not something that an employee should feel guilty about.
2. Treat lunch like an appointment
Breaks should be just as mandatory as meetings. Fixed time windows in the calendar prevent rest periods from being postponed again and again and automatically and justifiably make them an integral part of work performance.
3. Establish a no-desk lunch
Those who leave the workplace are able to switch off mentally better. If you eat at your desk, it’s easy to be tempted to read emails or even continue working while you eat your food hastily. Whether in the break room, cafeteria or a short walk: distance from work promotes real regeneration.
4. No meetings right after dinner
Admittedly not always realistic, but still worth a try: a gap of at least 30 minutes between lunch and the next appointment helps you get back into work mode. Even short breaks between longer calls reduce mental overload.
5. Create infrastructure for breaks
Functional kitchens with microwaves, stoves and ovens give employees more flexibility: They have the option of warming up pre-cooked meals from home, cooking simple dishes on site or using balanced ready-made meals. Comfortable seating or opportunities to eat together also increase the attractiveness of (shared) breaks. A good infrastructure that the employer supports accordingly signals that breaks are wanted.
6. Offer healthy snacks strategically
Whether fruit, nuts, yoghurt or protein-rich snacks: If the employer provides nutritious options free of charge, this supports recovery in between. It is important that they are positioned in the office so that everyone can see them. Another advantage that should not be underestimated is if employees’ requests for specific snacks are regularly taken into account.
7. Integrate exercise and mindfulness activities
Short exercise sessions, a few stretching exercises or a short meditation break increase well-being and concentration. Of course, the decisive factor here is that the employer can offer suitable rooms where employees can specifically activate themselves either alone or in a group.
8. Use food subsidies specifically
Meal subsidies or discounted lunch offers show appreciation and lower the inhibition threshold to actually take advantage of the break. Such a benefit should also apply to all employees – regardless of whether they work in the office, hybrid or remotely.
9. Take individual living circumstances into account
Flexible working hours or home office days help to realistically integrate breaks into different realities of life. Recovery is not a one-size-fits-all model.
10. Make breaks visible as part of the company culture
Whether through regular feedback rounds, voluntary offers such as short meditation sessions after meals or the use of shared rooms: breaks work best when they are culturally anchored – without control or pressure from above, but with clear appreciation.
Conclusion: Anyone who establishes a healthy break culture strengthens performance
Companies that take lunch breaks seriously do not invest in convenience or even laziness, but in sustainable performance. Conscious breaks promote focus, motivation and health and thus have a direct impact on productivity and corporate culture.
In order for the lunch break to have a relaxing effect and at the same time increase efficiency, all that is ultimately required is adjustment of a few central adjustment screws. Because from the executive floor to the interns, everyone has to be aware of one thing: the lunch break doesn’t have to be long, but it should definitely take place.
About the author
Ingmar Knudsen is co-founder and managing director of the Berlin food startup Juit, founded in 2019. In his previous positions as Product Manager at Zalando and studiVZ, he shaped products with a clear commitment to innovation and strategic foresight, thereby laying the foundation for Juit’s reimagined frozen food concept. With Juit he pursues the goal of making balanced and healthy nutrition suitable for everyday use, of high quality and uncompromisingly convenient.
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