What’s on your lunch menu? Four in 10 people eat only a packet of crisps, while one in 20 admits eating cold baked beans straight from the can as a new poll reveals why we’re missing the office-based options.
A nationwide study of Brits working from home has revealed that, while millions are still enjoying some of the benefits of home working, when it comes to lunch options, things have taken a turn for the worse with nearly three quarters (70%) claiming to miss their office-based lunch options.
Latest ONS figures suggest almost half (49%) of British workers have not yet ventured back to the office.
And according to the research, released by Just Eat, 34% of those working from home have seen a decline in the quality of their lunch, with 39% opting for just a packet of crisps, most days.
A further 6% have resorted to eating cold baked beans straight from the can.
Some 81% say working from home has meant their lunches are more boring than ever, while 13% eat the same lunch every day.
Some 30% said they usually just make do with a cup of strong coffee.
Ready meal
When it comes to instant solutions, almost half (48%) claim they regularly opt for canned soup, a third (36%) rely on instant noodles while 19% simply stick a ready meal in the microwave.
Biscuits (27%), bars of chocolate (30%), potato waffles cooked in the toaster (6%) and jam on toast (17%) are other uninspiring midday meals, according to the 1,500 Brits surveyed.
The research, commissioned by Just Eat, with no minimum order, from its food delivery platform, found that deli sandwiches top the list of lunches we pine for (38%), along with burritos (23%), sushi (19%) and noodle bowls (2%).
What we miss
Andrew Kenny, managing director UK at Just Eat, said: “It’s clear that lunchtime enjoyment has taken a hit since lockdown.”
When it comes to what we miss the most about having lunch at the office:
- 39% said getting a proper break from work away from their desks.
- 38% felt having a variety of choices was something they missed.
- 2% said there is nowhere decent in walking distance of their home to grab a good lunch.
- 21% say they are too busy at home to find lunch inspiration.
Looking at other working from home lunchtime habits:
The average Brit has 12 tedious lunches every month – that is three a week.
- 13% of Brits skip lunch every day.
- 52% say they regularly forgo lunch.
- Six in 10 get struck down with lunch envy when they see friends and colleagues post lunch pictures on social media.
- 19% said having lunch at home was the worst part of home working.
- 8% agree having a delicious lunch delivered to their door would make them happy.
When it comes to other downsides of home working, 11% said the worst thing about it was being with their partner all day.