Lunch Break Dilemma: How Long Should It Be to Balance Work and Rest?

Hi All,

I wanted to know what should be the time frame for a lunch break in an organization - 1/2 hr or 1 hr.

My company currently has no fixed time frame for lunch, but recently our employees, due to the lack of any such time frame, have been taking long breaks (lunch or otherwise) from the office, which hampers the work.

So I wanted to know which time frame is more in practice for lunch (1/2 hr or 1 hr) as I need to provide statistics on this to my manager.

Please let me know what is the practice in your firm and other companies where you have friends working.

Looking forward to your reply.

Thanks, Geetika

Most companies have a lunch break for around 30 to 45 minutes between 1:30 and 2:30 generally. This might best suit your company's needs as well.

Regards,
VINAY

Hi,

Well, I think that a 45-50 minute break is fair enough for a lunch break. Depending on the nature of the work and the culture in your organization, you should plan for the lunch break. I am working in a mobile software company where we get a one-hour lunch break.

Regards,
Gunjan

Hi,

I am working in a software company as an HR Executive, and in my company, the time frame for lunch is half an hour to a maximum of 45 minutes. If there is anything else you would like to know, feel free to ask.

Regards,
Namita

Hi,

If your firm is covered under the Shops and Commercial Establishment Act, then the lunch hour is stipulated to be indeed ONE HOUR. The law also stipulates that no work period should exceed more than FIVE hours before having the work break.

Identical provision exists in the Factories Act, but the lunch break is stipulated to be HALF AN HOUR, and again, no working for more than FIVE hours before having a LUNCH BREAK.

I am aware that many companies do not follow this rule, but that can only be so if they breach the law OR they have obtained an exemption from the authorities (which is possible!).

Now as to your query, I would suggest that you check the Law (actual provisions for your satisfaction) and the files if the exemption has been obtained. Your information as given cannot be commented upon. What others do is their business (if they are breaching the law, I cannot emulate them anyway!)

I hope you are now clear!!

Regards,
samvedan
August 16, 2006

Hi, most of the companies have a stipulated time of 30 to 45 minutes. I can give you an example of an organization in Gujarat. They have flexible timings for their employees for lunch. An employee can have their meal anytime between 10:30 am and 2 pm, but the duration is only half an hour.

Hope this information proves to be useful.

Regards,
Mamta

Dear Geeti,

I hope my feedback is not late reaching you. As indicated by friends, the lunchtime may be between 45 minutes from 1:15 to 2:00. You can also change it depending on winter and summer, like schools.

In one of my research works, I found that middle-level and senior-level managers do not bother about food and its timing. They usually have their meals after 2:00.

As suggested by Devjit, let them enjoy, but ensure that they return to their seats punctually.

Best wishes,

Senthil Raj

Dear Geetika,

As far as lunch breaks are concerned, there should be a time frame so that people can utilize their time effectively. I think a lunch break of 1 hour is quite sufficient because it will not only provide a little break after lunch, but also, if in your organization Muslims are working, then you can give them time to offer prayers.

Regards,
Sultan Mughal
Manager HR
Wazir Ali Industries Limited
Contact: +92-333-4431122
Email: sultanmughal@gmail.com, sultanmughal@hotmail.com, sultanmughal@yahoo.com, sultan@tullo.com.pk

Respected All, In our company, the general shift timing is 9:00 am, and the out time is 5:30 pm, so basically, a half-day would end at 1:30 pm. However, some employees sometimes leave for a half-day at 1:00 pm.

Eligibility for Lunch Break During Half-Day

The question arises whether they should still be eligible for a lunch break or not. I need your feedback on this information.

Regards,
Gaurav Mehta