I ran across this term the other day and it just struck my fancy: dining al desko
According to the Urban Dictionary it means “to eat lunch at your desk.“
There’s plenty of research out there that says it’s important to step away from our desk, even if just for 10-15 minutes. We feel better and will ultimately be more productive. Not to mention the little pests that could work their way into your office. And no, I’m not talking about your co-workers.
But I understand what’s going on in the workplace. We’re getting asked to do more with less – one more job responsibility or one additional project. In order to get home at a decent hour, people eat while working.
Or, maybe time allows you to get away but your wallet won’t let you frequent the corner cafe. So, you’re brown bagging it to save a few bucks.
Regardless of the reason, there are a couple things you can do to stay productive and still eat well:
Walk outside, if only for a minute. Some fresh air and sunshine will do you good.
And for lunch, try bento boxes. If you’re not familiar with this, a bento is a compact meal packed in a box. There are several sites devoted to building bento boxes: Lunch in a Box or Just Bento are just a couple. You can make something tasty that looks good and be the envy of everyone in the office.
Lunch doesn’t have to be a bore or a chore. Got any suggestions for handling the lunch hour? Drop them in the comments below.
In fact…anyone who leaves a comment with their lunch ideas (whether it’s how to get away or something tasty to try) by April 30, 2010 will be entered into a drawing for David McCleary‘s book “Leaving Prisons: Release Your Trapped Value!“ David was kind enough to send me a copy as a giveaway.
I really look forward to your suggestions. Cheers!
Image courtesy of Incase Designs
Hi! I'm Sharlyn Lauby, an HR pro turned consultant. I created the HR Bartender blog so people would have a friendly place to discuss workplace issues. And since, over the years, I've developed an appreciation for the culinary arts (translation: I'm a Foodie) you'll see some of that here too. So, pull up a stool and order your favorite drink . . . the bar is always open.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I always liked eating at my desk. What I would atually do for my lunch hour was go work out, hit the golf range near by or take a walk. I can eat anywhere, I can save money by bringing food with me and eating outside. I have to eat… I can’t always do those three things!
Great title. I read some slightly disturbing study at some point about exactly how unhygienic a key board is, so much so that I eat away from my desk. Best to move away. You think you are more productive, but I find my mind wanders if I don’t get out and about.
I eat at my desk a lot, but it’s nice to get out sometimes even when I bring my lunch – it breaks up the day and makes it seem shorter. Occasionally I will go to Borders – browse for a little while and get a new book. Or – if the weather is nice, rather than going out for lunch, a few coworkers and I will head out later in the afternoon for some ice cream. We have TWO awesome frozen custard places within minutes of the office! yum.
I work from home, and sad to say, even I eat at my desk at times, when the kitchen table is just a short walk away. I am trying to make myself get out and walk…or make more appts for lunch meetings close by. Is is refreshing to get away – just need to cut those strings for an hour each day!
I eat at my desk so I can catch up with social media and check in with a lot of my non-work friends. I usually peruse my google reader (that is stacked with mostly funny items). So maybe I’m still physically here, but mentally I’m far away. I bring my lunch and often store it in the fridge that is the farthest away so I get a little stretch walking across the building to get my lunch and heat it up.
Fridays don’t count. I have a no cook policy for Fridays, so I buy and often grab a co-worker to catch up with. It’s a nice break to the longest day
Thanks to everyone for sharing your ideas. The winner of the book is Liz! Congrats.
@Liz – email me your address to slauby@hrbartender.com and I’ll get the book in the mail to you.
Enjoy the weekend!