Why eating at work is bad
Among office workers, there are a lot of those who prefer to eat right at their work computer. Some do it because of a too tight work schedule, so to speak, “on the job.” Others – because they are too lazy to go to a nearby cafe and have a quiet lunch there. Still others – simply because they do not see anything harmful and dangerous in it. And those are probably the majority.
According to a study by the American Dietetic Association, three-quarters of office workers eat regularly (several times a week) at their workplace. This study most likely concerned American employees, but we can say with confidence that in the CIS countries this indicator will not differ much, if at all. But based on the findings of all the same nutritionists and other specialists, eating at the workplace is highly discouraged. The main reasons are:
The tables on which the computers are located and at which we work are simply teeming with harmful bacteria. More than 900 different microbes live on every two or three square centimeters of the desktop area, which our body will not be happy about at all. And on the surface of the keyboard, on average, there are about 700 bacteria. Putting a plate of food on such a table, we run a very strong risk that all these tenacious charms will crawl into it, and then get into our mouths.
Lunch at the workplace, we deprive the brain of a well-deserved rest
Workers who eat at the computer very rarely try to completely immerse themselves in eating and move away from all business. Basically, during such a lunch, clicking on the keyboard, surfing the Internet, or other more important things, such as compiling a monthly report, continues.
On the one hand, such people can boast that they even devote lunch time to work. Such zeal may impress their superiors. But in fact, there is nothing to boast about – after all, during such a dinner, our brain suffers. Lunch is a great opportunity to take a break from work. And eating at the desktop completely deprives us of this opportunity, because we continue to load the brain with various tasks.
There is an acute lack of movement
This problem is seen in all office workers. It is not for nothing that experts advise getting up from your desk at least every hour and taking short walks, although around the office. Better yet, go outside and breathe fresh air. And what does the body get if its owner is a supporter of food at the computer? A few steps to the microwave and back to the table to eat your lunch. In addition, we eat much more at the workplace than we would eat in a cafe or canteen, because the computer provokes almost uncontrolled absorption of food. Especially if you brought something delicious from home.
Losing the ability to socialize
While having lunch at the workplace, a person continues to communicate with his computer. And I could communicate at this time with colleagues, make useful and interesting acquaintances. In general, psychologists have long established that eating food together brings people together. If you do not want to get even closer to your work files, then it is better to dine in the company of living people, and not a soulless machine.
Damage to the stomach
It would seem, but what does the stomach have to do with it? And here’s what. If you concentrate on eating during lunch, then it will be absorbed much better. This concept of “concentration” includes chewing every bite thoroughly, enjoying the taste of food. Some fighters for a healthy lifestyle even argue that if you admire food while it is being absorbed, then all its nutrients will be better absorbed 🙂 This may not be very serious, but the fact that the quick absorption of food in large pieces will not bring anything good your stomach – absolutely truthful and justified.
Why eating at work is bad
Or is it still useful?
But German scientists from Humboldt University recently stated that eating at the workplace is just good. According to them, if an employee had lunch in a canteen or cafe, then the remaining half of the working day will not be so productive for him. They also believe that lunch “on the side” helps to relax the employee, reduce his brain activity, loss of concentration, forgetfulness of important work tasks. However, German scientists could not refute the facts of excessive contamination of the desktop and a decrease in physical activity.
Whom to believe – American nutritionists or German scientists – you decide. The Dengodel.com editors are more inclined towards the first option, although we ourselves often “sin” with lunches at our desks. It may be worth reconsidering this bad habit and getting rid of it, which we recommend to you.
