Workers Skipping Lunches as Costs Surge 23% in Just One Year
URGENT UPDATE: New data reveals that the cost of lunch breaks is skyrocketing, forcing many workers to skip meals to cope. According to a report by ezCater released today, the average weekly spending on work lunches has surged to $108.68, a staggering 23% increase from last year.
With inflation impacting everyday expenses, employees are feeling the squeeze. The report indicates that workers are now spending about $34.82 each week on lunches outside the home, a rise of 26% compared to 2024. This financial strain is leading nearly 1 in 5 workers to intentionally skip meals, primarily affecting younger generations such as millennials and Gen Z.
The findings stem from an online survey conducted in June 2025 involving 1,000 full-time US employees in on-site or hybrid roles. The results highlight a troubling trend: as costs escalate, productivity and employee well-being are at risk. Robert Kaskel, VP of People at ezCater, stated,
“Our data shows that hangry workers are bad for business: 43% take longer to complete tasks, 38% report being blunt with colleagues, and 25% avoid interacting with their peers.”
Skipping lunch is not merely a personal choice; it can have significant ramifications for businesses. A study published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International underscores that regular lunch breaks are crucial for preventing absenteeism and bolstering job satisfaction. However, as lunch becomes increasingly viewed as a luxury, many employees feel guilty for taking breaks at all.
The report found that Gen Z employees are 110% more likely to believe their boss disapproves of taking a lunch break compared to older colleagues. This “lunch guilt” poses a serious threat to workplace morale. Kaskel emphasized,
“When your youngest employees feel guilty about taking their lunch break, it’s a big red flag.”
As the modern workplace grapples with these challenges, the implications are clear: a workforce deprived of nourishment cannot maintain productivity for long. The report serves as a wake-up call for business leaders to prioritize their employees’ well-being.
What happens next? Employers must recognize the urgent need to address this growing issue. As inflation continues to rise, the pressure on workers may only intensify. Business leaders are urged to foster an environment that encourages regular meal breaks to enhance both productivity and employee satisfaction.
In a rapidly changing economic landscape, maintaining a healthy work-life balance is more crucial than ever. With lunch breaks slipping out of reach for many, it’s time for workplaces to rethink their policies and support their employees before the consequences become unmanageable.
