Manager insisting I take lunch

[Shanna8]

Hi, I would really appreciate some advice. I am PA to the CEO of a large organisation. I work in a solo capacity, no team or colleagues to have lunch with. This suits me fine. Our canteen is very busy, noisy and full of fellow co-workers who lunch together every day e.g. Finance colleagues sit at one table, HR colleagues sit at another table etc. The CEO sits with other Executive members. It's a bit clicky tbh ... but not having someone to have lunch with does not bother me in the slightest. I take lunch in my office, which I prefer. I tend to eat while working as I'm very busy and would prefer to work through and get home at a reasonable time. My Manager (CEO) has raised this with me on 3 occasions in recent weeks i.e. you really need to start taking lunch, you should not be working while having lunch etc. Yesterday she made another comment and I now feel pressurised and upset. I have told her previously (jokingly) that I have an aversion to the canteen, that I cannot stand it! There are other "solo" workers who also take lunch in their office and yet they are not being targeted. I could approach one of these colleagues for company at lunch time but I don't want to do this. It will result in me being tied to this arrangement every day, having to go to lunch when I don't want to/have something urgent on. There is no-where else to go for lunch except my car. I feel upset and resentful that I will be forced to sit in my car every day when I would prefer to keep working. I am now wondering why my Manager is insisting on this? Is it a duty of care / HR issue? Is she fearful I will take sick leave and cite being over-worked with no breaks? Is there any solution? Should I talk to her? AIBU???

I think she is trying to look out for you. Also, she sets the company culture: if she is trying to establish a well-being culture where people take their lunch and socialise with colleagues, it probably doesn't look great if it looks like she is chaining her PA to the desk and not giving her a break.

People are generally more efficient and productive if they do step away for a bit, even if it's just for 20 minutes.

Can you not just eat lunch at your desk whilst working but then take a break to go out for a walk? Getting out of tge office for a while is good for you and after 6 hours is a legal requirement.

If your working shift is longer than 6 hours, then you are entitled to a 20 minute break, either paid or unpaid. This shouldn't be taken at the start or end of your shift.

That being said, there is no law to force you to take the break. However, this can leave your employer at risk of being taken to tribunal, if you decided you had not been allowed a break (believe ne, this change of heart happens more often than you think).

Your line manager is protecting themselves and the business and YOU! Working through lunch might mean you get finished at a reasonable time, but that means that either:

1. You have too much work expected of you, or
2. Poorly planned diary

I would suggest sitting with your line manager in yur next 1-1, not just making some off the cuff remark, and explaining how you feel. There may be alternatives you are not aware of, or you can come to a decision for you to eat at your desk, but let's it would be documented so your employer is protected.

As for an alternative, could you go for a walk? Headphones on, some podcast or music to get some steps in, if appropriate?

Read a book or sit in your car. You legally need a break

She is worried about you. Worried for your health. You should be taking a break.

Go out for a walk and sit on a bench and eat your lunch then

I avoid the canteen too but I take the long route up to fill my water bottle, take a short walk outside, go out to the car etc. I agree with your boss you need to take a proper break, it’s also not a good look for her if you never leave the computer.

It’s important to take time away from your desk. Why not go for a walk? You’ll feel better for it in the afternoon.

It’s a legal requirement for your safety and well-being.
also eating at your desk is unprofessional.
no wants to smell your lunch or have dirty cutlery hanging around etc.
if you hate the canteen that much ask to take an early or late lunch when it’s less busy or go outside for a walk.
It sends the wrong message to other staff that there is some kind of expectation to work through lunch. No one is too busy to eat.