Returning to the office, whether that’s after summer vacation or even years working from home, can be… an adjustment, to say the least. It’s far too easy for a cubicle to morph into a cage that you won’t leave between the hours of nine and five.
Do not fall into that trap. You get a lunch break, so take it! Desk dining is becoming normal in offices all across Toronto, but it’s actually pretty bad for your health and your productivity.
Here’s why.
The numbers don’t lie
A survey commissioned by Factor and executed by The Harris Poll shows a stark reality. 61 per cent of Canadians are skipping lunch, and nearly half of these report feelings of reduced energy, lower productivity, and trouble focusing.
But that doesn’t mean Canadians don’t want lunch. In fact, 87 per cent say they would take a real lunch break if employers encouraged it. And no, a real lunch doesn’t mean scarfing down an apple and some chips at your desk between tasks. It needs to involve a change of scenery, a nutritious meal, and maybe even some fresh air.
Two-fifths of Canadians say that taking a proper lunch break tops the list of what makes workdays feel energizing. This is ranked among other activities, including walking outdoors, quiet time, and socializing with colleagues and friends.
But guess what? You can do all of those things on your lunch break.
Factor it in
This September, Factor is helping busy professionals in Toronto break free from desk dining with a No Desk Dining Zone, complete with outdoor lounges, good vibes, and complimentary meals.
In case you’re not familiar, Factor is a meal service that’s doing things a little differently. Users can choose from 35 weekly meal options, which are chef-prepared and sent directly to your door. Not only are the meals ready to heat and eat in two minutes, but they’re also never frozen, dietician-approved, and provide convenience without sacrificing nutrition or flavour.
Their event will run on Wednesday, Sept. 17, and Thursday, Sept. 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 200 King Street West. You can choose between meals like honey mustard chicken with roasted rosemary potatoes and garlic green beans or a bavette steak mac and cheese with roasted green beans and carrots. There is even a plant-based option — a vegan mushroom marsala with onion risotto and roasted garlic broccoli, as well as cold-pressed juices.
From there, you can either take your meal back to the office to eat with your colleagues or hang out in the No Desk Dining Zone. You’ll also get promo codes to redeem on future meals! Whatever you choose, Factor’s chef-prepared meals and the time away from your desk will help you stay sharp throughout the day. Because productivity doesn’t happen when you power through — it happens when you pause.
Self-care isn’t always spa days and sabbaticals. It can be as simple as stepping away from your desk to enjoy a real meal. Take your well-deserved lunch break at the No Desk Dining Zone with Factor, and visit their website for a full list of available meals.
Factor’s No Desk Dining Zone
Where: 200 King St. W
When: Wednesday, Sept. 17, and Thursday, Sept. 18
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free
Kendall Bistretzan
Branded Content Writer
Kendall Bistretzan is a Calgary-based writer, reporter, and coffee enthusiast. In her spare time, she loves to read, have dinner with friends, and sing in her car. She is currently querying her debut fiction novel. You can find her on Instagram @kendallbistwrites.
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