URGENT UPDATE: The cost of lunch breaks is skyrocketing, forcing many workers to skip meals entirely. A new report from ezCater reveals that average weekly spending on work lunches has surged by 23% in just one year, now costing employees an alarming $108.68 per week.
As inflation continues to squeeze paychecks, employees are feeling the pinch in their lunch budgets. The report, based on a survey conducted in June 2025 among 1,000 full-time US employees, shows that workers are purchasing lunch an average of 2.6 times each week, spending about $34.82 on eating out—up 26% compared to last year.
With these rising costs, nearly 1 in 5 workers are intentionally skipping meals to save money. This alarming trend, especially among millennials and Gen Z, is not just a matter of budgeting; it poses serious risks to employee health and productivity. According to Robert Kaskel, VP of People at ezCater, “hangry workers are bad for business.” The report highlights that 43% of employees take longer to complete tasks when skipping meals, 38% report being blunt with colleagues, and 25% avoid social interactions altogether.
The findings suggest a troubling “lunch guilt” phenomenon, where younger employees feel they cannot take breaks without negative repercussions. Gen Z workers are 110% more likely than older colleagues to believe their bosses disapprove of lunch breaks. “When your youngest employees feel guilty about taking their lunch break, it’s a big red flag,” Kaskel emphasizes. This guilt, paired with the desire for short-term productivity gains, could lead to significant burnout and performance issues for companies.
A 2021 study published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International supports the importance of regular breaks, linking them to reduced absenteeism and improved job satisfaction. Yet, in today’s “hardcore” work culture, skipping lunch is mistakenly viewed as a sign of dedication. “A workforce running on empty can’t stay productive for long,” Kaskel warns.
As lunchtime becomes a luxury many can no longer afford, the implications for workplace morale and health are dire. Business leaders must recognize the urgent need to address this issue before it escalates further. The data clearly shows that prioritizing employee well-being is not merely a nice-to-have; it is essential for sustaining productivity and fostering a healthy work environment.
With workers increasingly resorting to skipping meals, the modern workplace must confront the reality of rising costs and its impact on employee health. As this story develops, companies are urged to rethink their policies on breaks and support their employees in maintaining a balanced, healthy work life.