My friend Richard (not his real name, you’ll see why) has a thriving firm in the nation’s capital. His offices are in a modern building with fine art and eclectic architecture, bamboo flooring , brightly colored plush seating, lots of windows and glass partitions with natural light streaming in. There’s also a break room with a gleaming steel sink, coffee maker, an island counter top and —- no chairs. Uh-huh that’s right, no chairs. You see, Richard wants to provide an area for his employees to eat , but he doesn’t want them lingering too long in the break room. So he did not install seating.
Talk about your mixed messages! He’s saying in essence, “Yes, I care about your comfort and well being. After all, ya gotta eat and it’s the law. But this is not a hang out, so don’t make a meal out of it.” [Yes, pun intended.]
Think that’s a little hard core? Never mind extreme bosses, too many of us already work right through lunch time. We run out, grab something quick and eat at our desks. Or we eat while we’re having a meeting , trying to talk and chew at the same time. Many times we delay eating until afternoon, then hunger drives us to the nearest sugary or salty snack. We use Red Bull, diet cola and coffee like mother’s milk.
We deny or postpone our natural instincts and treat our bodily functions like annoyances that interrupt us from more pressing activities. We act as if whatever is happening in the external, material world is much more important and interesting than what is happening internally and biologically.
Ever worked where the climate is such that leaving the premises for more than 20 minutes is frowned upon? Do you know people who consider it a badge of honor to practically live at the office, the longer the hours the better, weekends included? Sadly, some business owners and supervisors encourage an atmosphere that implies that your very commitment to your job is in question if you take a meal break.
Our bodies are the vehicles through which we participate in and express life. Food is essential to health, and being healthy is a prerequisite to being able to work. So if you want the business implications in broad strokes, taking time to eat and allowing employees time to eat directly impacts the bottom line.
Hunger is a natural instinct. Mindfully preparing and chewing our food slowly without numerous distractions is the beginning of the digestive process. Savoring the colors, aroma, tastes and textures of the food is integral to gaining the nutritional, emotional and psychological value of what we are eating.
We honor the body as the magnificent temple it is when we give it time for nourishment. Take the extra step of enjoying lunch on real china with silverware, instead of paper and plastic, and you have a meal fit for a queen.
