More than half of American hybrid workers remain trapped indoors during their in-office workdays, skipping fresh air entirely outside of their morning and evening commutes, according to research conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Wild Planet. The survey of 2,000 hybrid workers, administered online between June 24 and July 2, revealed that 56% of respondents regularly fail to step outside while at the office.
Lunch Break Habits and Digital Distractions at the Desk
The daily office grind frequently sidelines midday breaks. According to the survey, 85% of workers skip their lunch break entirely on occasion. On average, the typical worker eats lunch while working at their desk about 2.5 days per week. Furthermore, respondents admit they continue to eat lunch at their desk without working another 2.6 days per workweek.
Even when workers step away from their tasks, true disconnection remains rare. Data shows that those polled spend an average of 61% of their lunch break glued to a device such as a phone or laptop. Two in five respondents (41%) use the time to scroll through social media, 37% respond to nonwork-related messages, 35% read, and 31% handle virtual life administration tasks like paying bills or scheduling appointments. Work boundaries also blur into personal time, with 32% reading work-related emails, 28% responding to them, and 25% leaving their work computer active and open.
When asked what keeps them trapped indoors, 29% of respondents pointed to having too many work meetings or tasks, while 25% cited constant pressure to remain available to colleagues.
Pro Tips: Reclaiming the Midday Break
Mental and Emotional Payoffs of Fresh Air
Despite workplace barriers, employees recognize the value of stepping outside. Almost all respondents (91%) believe taking a lunch break is essential, and 63% report a higher opinion of colleagues who prioritize taking a real lunch break. In an ideal world, 78% of workers prefer to eat lunch outdoors for a majority of their workdays.
The survey data highlights clear emotional payoffs linked to outdoor breaks. Before eating lunch during a typical work week, only 51% of workers rate their overall happiness between a 4 or a 5 out of 5. After eating lunch outdoors, that happiness rating climbs to 66%.
Workers are driven outdoors by the belief that fresh air completely resets focus, a view held by 64% of respondents, while 58% consider screen breaks essential for mental clarity.
“A significant number of American workers clearly feel the benefit of stepping into the outdoors during their lunch hours,” said Sue Thanavaro, Brand Marketing Director of Wild Planet. “Taking your meal outside forces you to slow down, disconnect from the screen, and actually appreciate real, mindfully sourced food. It’s one of the easiest ways to reconnect with the wild and give yourself both a mental and physical reset.”
Prioritizing Nature Outside of Work Hours
The human craving for nature extends past the corporate environment. Outside of the office, 67% of workers report actively prioritizing spending more time outdoors today compared to a few years ago. Employees achieve this by frequently getting outside to walk (67%), spend time with family and friends (49%), or care for pets (38%).
“It’s encouraging to see that so many people are recognizing the benefits of taking their lunch break outside,” Thanavaro added. “Just taking a few minutes to change your scenery and get fresh air can make a world of difference. Our lunch breaks are the perfect time to not only nourish our bodies, but reset and reground ourselves—and nature has the incredible power to do that.”
Did You Know?
According to the Talker Research survey, worker happiness ratings jump from 51% to 66% after simply eating lunch outdoors during the workday.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hybrid workers fail to go outside during an in-office workday?
According to a Talker Research survey commissioned by Wild Planet, 56% of hybrid workers admit they regularly fail to step outside during an in-office workday.
How does spending lunch outdoors affect worker happiness?
Before eating lunch, 51% of workers rate their happiness as a 4 or 5 out of 5. After eating lunch outdoors, that rating increases to 66%.
What primary barriers keep employees indoors during the day?
Respondents cited having too many work meetings or tasks (29%) and constant pressure to remain available to colleagues (25%) as the main reasons they stay trapped indoors.
How much time do workers spend on devices during their lunch breaks?
On average, workers admit to spending 61% of their lunch break glued to a phone or laptop.
Join the Conversation
Do you manage to step outside during your workday, or do constant meetings keep you at your desk? Drop a comment below and share how you reclaim your midday break.
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