On June 24, 2025, Americans observed National Take Back the Lunch Break Day, a nationwide initiative aimed at promoting workplace wellness, reducing burnout, and encouraging employees to step away from their desks for a meaningful break. This year, more than ever, the event was a timely reminder of the importance of mental and physical health in the workplace as employees across the country continue to adjust to hybrid and remote work models. The day’s purpose was to inspire workers to take back their lunch hour from endless meetings, emails, and sedentary routines and make it a time to recharge, engage in wellness activities, and connect with colleagues.
National Take Back the Lunch Break Day is a growing movement that highlights the significance of taking proper breaks throughout the workday. For many employees, the idea of lunch hour often becomes an afterthought, squeezed into a 20-minute window between meetings or skipped entirely. Yet, research shows that taking a break during the workday isn’t just beneficial; it’s essential for long-term productivity and health.
The Rise of the “Work-from-Anywhere” Culture
In recent years, particularly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies have adopted hybrid and remote work models. While this has offered flexibility and convenience, it has also led to a significant shift in workplace dynamics. Many workers report feeling disconnected from their colleagues, and with fewer social interactions during the day, the importance of having structured breaks becomes even more pronounced. National Take Back the Lunch Break Day is a response to this shift, encouraging individuals to reclaim their time away from their computers.
According to a study by Gallup, only 34% of employees take a full lunch break each day, and 31% of those workers eat while working. This trend has been particularly prominent in sectors like tech and finance, where long hours and constant connectivity blur the lines between personal and professional time. National Take Back the Lunch Break Day serves as an antidote to this culture, pushing for a reevaluation of how employees spend their mid-day hours.
Benefits of a Proper Lunch Break
Taking a proper lunch break isn’t just about stepping away from work for an hour. It’s about recharging, both mentally and physically, and setting oneself up for a more productive afternoon. Studies show that taking breaks during the workday can have a significant impact on mental health, stress reduction, and overall work satisfaction.
One of the most significant benefits of taking a proper lunch break is increased productivity. Research conducted by the University of Illinois found that employees who took a break during the workday were 25% more productive after their break compared to those who worked straight through the day. Taking a proper break also helps reduce burnout—a significant issue in today’s workplace culture.
The positive impact of breaks goes beyond productivity. Stepping away from the computer and engaging in physical activity, like a brisk walk outside or a few minutes of stretching, can reduce physical discomfort caused by prolonged sitting. This, in turn, can decrease the risk of chronic health conditions like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. The American Heart Association recommends taking regular breaks to improve circulation and reduce the risk of heart disease.
How Companies Are Supporting Wellness on National Take Back the Lunch Break Day
On June 24, 2025, companies nationwide participated in National Take Back the Lunch Break Day by offering employees flexible lunch hours, organizing outdoor activities, and encouraging participation in wellness challenges. Major corporations, including Google, Microsoft, and Salesforce, have supported the day by promoting activities that go beyond the typical lunch break.
At Google’s headquarters in Mountain View, California, employees participated in guided meditation sessions, outdoor yoga classes, and walking meetings. The company also provided access to local restaurants that offered healthy lunch options to employees who chose to take a longer break. For companies like Google, wellness initiatives are an integral part of their corporate culture. Google’s focus on employee well-being has resulted in the company consistently being ranked as one of the best places to work in the U.S.
Microsoft took a different approach, offering employees virtual lunch breaks. The company hosted live cooking demonstrations where employees could learn how to prepare healthy meals from professional chefs. Participants also took part in virtual group walks and fitness challenges, with employees from across the globe joining in. These virtual activities provided an opportunity for remote employees to connect with one another, even if they were not in the same physical location.
Salesforce, a leader in cloud computing, used National Take Back the Lunch Break Day as an opportunity to promote its employee wellness programs. The company held a virtual conference on mental health, stress management, and how to establish a work-life balance. Salesforce employees also participated in virtual group activities like guided journaling and mindfulness sessions.
Incorporating Breaks into Remote and Hybrid Work
As hybrid and remote work models become the norm for many businesses, National Take Back the Lunch Break Day also emphasized the importance of taking breaks, even when working from home. Remote work often blurs the boundaries between professional and personal life, leading to longer hours and less downtime.
To counter this, remote companies have started implementing policies to encourage employees to disconnect. Slack, for example, encourages its remote employees to take “Slack-free” breaks, where employees are asked to mute notifications and step away from their computers. These types of policies are essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance, especially when working from home means that work is always just a few clicks away.
Workplace Wellness: The Future of National Take Back the Lunch Break Day
Looking forward, the concept of taking back the lunch break will likely continue to evolve as part of a broader conversation around workplace wellness. National Take Back the Lunch Break Day is part of a growing movement to prioritize employee well-being. Businesses are increasingly recognizing the importance of mental health, work-life balance, and the need for employees to step away from their desks to rejuvenate.
As more organizations adopt flexible work models and wellness initiatives, we can expect that taking a proper lunch break will become a standard part of workplace culture, not just an occasional event. National Take Back the Lunch Break Day could one day become a key date on the calendar, recognized across industries for its role in shaping healthier work environments.
Conclusion
National Take Back the Lunch Break Day in 2025 serves as an important reminder of the value of taking breaks throughout the workday. In an era of hybrid and remote work, where the lines between work and personal life are often blurred, this initiative encourages employees to take a step back and focus on their health. As companies across the nation recognize the benefits of wellness initiatives, it is clear that taking a proper lunch break will remain a cornerstone of work culture.
