Too much work and pressure to impress the boss are the main reasons office workers give for skipping their lunch break, a new report has found.

Despite the benefits of improved concentration, less stress and more productivity brought on by taking a lunch break, over 60 per cent of workers miss lunch up to twice a week and a shocking 8 per cent of workers don’t take any lunch breaks at all.

The survey, commissioned by Crosse & Blackwell, also found that an impressive 77.3 percent of British workers take lunch to work with them, at an average daily cost of just £1.92. 

Soup and salads are most popular among women and sandwiches won out in the men’s packed lunches. Women also proved savvier spenders by being less likely to eat out at cafes during working hours. Chris Wright, Marketing Director for Crosse & Blackwell, commented: “Lunchtime is an important part of the working day and a chance to refuel and recharge. We commissioned this report to better understand Britain’s lunchtime routines and how we can encourage people to take this much needed break during the day. Lunch doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming to prepare. For example, our soup range starts at only 79 pence and is wholesome, convenient and filling. Taking time out at lunch to clear your mind and nourish your body is key to a happy workforce.” 

The findings also revealed that guilt is a major factor in workers feeling unable to escape their workstation for a lunch break.18-24 year olds are most likely to skip lunch on purpose to look keen to their superiors, with 16.3 percent admitting to the worry that they won’t look committed if they take the break they are entitled to. More seasoned employees are the least likely to feel guilty about taking lunch (only 3 per cent of over 55s) and women are more like to feel guilty than men. Of those who do leave their desks to grab some lunch, Londoners spend the most. Over 25 per cent of office workers in the capital spend around £6 a day, almost twice the national average of £3.30. 

The timeless qualities of good, honest and tasty recipes have been at the heart of Crosse & Blackwell for nearly 200 years, and will continue to be the focus in years to come, placing the brand in a strong position to champion the importance of the midday meal. 

Crosse & Blackwell soups (from 79p, all major supermarkets) are a delicious, cost-effective and simple way for the British workforce to make lunchtime count. Ingredients are sourced from the British countryside and the business is passionate about supporting British farmers. The Crosse & Blackwell report surveyed 2,000 UK full time employed adults.