Dine and dusted: Make the most of your lunchtime

When the sun is shining, the last thing you want is to be stuck in the office all evening.

The problem is that many London businesses are extending trading hours to compete in a global economy, meaning employees are working later.

But we are now beginning to realise the importance of getting the balance between work and our personal lives.

The days of the traditional lunch “hour” are a thing of the past, with research suggesting that the average worker takes (or is being given) less than a 29-minute break.

Almost half of all workers in London eat at their desks because they are too busy, according to research from Benenden. Astonishingly, 15 per cent of workers say that they take 15 minutes or less for lunch.

Not only do lunch breaks give employees an opportunity to grab a bite to eat and socialise with colleagues, but theyre a chance to get some personal errands done.

The question is just how much can be achieved in less than half an hour?

Adopt healthy habits

The range of online or on-demand GP apps like DocTap GP allow workers to book an appointment with a GP online and visit a clinic close to their place of work, with no time spent in the waiting room.

You could pick up your prescription and still be back at your desk in time for a quick bite to eat.

Long hours, a sizeable commute, and juggling commitments like childcare often mean that exercise falls to the bottom of the priority list too.

Wearable fitness trackers like a FitBit not only allow busy Londoners to keep track of how much exercise theyre doing each day, but also set a minimum activity requirement.

This means that busy workers can build their daily exercise into their work day, such as taking the stairs instead of the lift, or going for a lunchtime walk. You could even cut down on gym time after work.

Skip the dirty work

Apps like Laundry Heap offer a collection and 24-hour delivery service.

Simply bundle up your dirty laundry, and set a time for it to be picked up and dropped off.

This means you can get on with your busy workday, and have more free time in the evening or on weekends.

Park the search

Workers who are out and about on their lunch break might like to use apps like AppyParking.

The app shows you when you can park and when restrictions apply. If free parking isnt available, it offers a range of other solutions.

This makes getting from A to B seamless for road users, by cutting out the extra time wasted on driving around in circles in the desperate hope of finding an available parking spot.

Speed-eating

For those who subscribe to the novel idea of actually using their lunch break to eat, there are time saving (and fun) apps like FoodMood.

Describing itself as “Tinder for food”, you tap “yum” or “yuk” on photos of dishes in your area. The app aims to refine your choice of lunch break destinations, meaning you can find the best lunch option fast – helping you make the most of your break.

[contf] [contfnew]

CityAM

[contfnewc] [contfnewc]