The Hindu Business Line : Why skipping lunch can be costly

My friend has a problem. And so could you. He often skips lunch at workplace because “he does not have the time to go to the cafeteria”. That imposes a high economic cost on him and his employer. How?

Consider this. Suppose you are used to having a decent breakfast everyday. Your friend, in all goodness, suggests that you can reduce weight by skipping breakfast. And you give it a shot.

Not a healthy alternative

But do you really skip breakfast? If you do not eat at home, your stomach starts rumbling from hunger at around 10 am. So, you grab a bite — some cookies and a pot of coffee. You may repeat this process twice before lunch depending on your hunger. The problem is the calorie intake and the damage such food can cause to your health over the long run.

It is the same problem with the senior executives at workplaces. They are of the opinion that going to the cafeteria is a waste of time or skipping lunch is a nice way to diet. That imposes a huge cost.

When you skip lunch, you tend to have “tasty fast food” at your desk. What tastes good is often bad for health! Besides, you may unconsciously take more quantity than when you are at the cafeteria consciously having food. That adds to your long-run cost due to poor health and, consequently, less family harmony.

Fall in productivity

What about the costs on the employer? The company will have to pay your medical bills if your health fails. But more important and less visible is your productively levels. If you do not eat well, you will be disgruntled and irritable. And your work will be less productive.

You might as well take 30 minutes off to go to the cafeteria. Besides, cafeteria is a good place to meet old friends and argue with foes. Companies should have a policy that drives executives to take time off for lunch. A decent meal and a healthy debate at the cafeteria will do yourself and your employer good.

(The author is an investment strategist.)

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