Why You Should Never Eat 'Al-Desko'

Too many workers choose to eat 'al-desko', hunched in front of their computers and either working through their lunch break or carrying out personal tasks online. It doesn't matter about the excuse, the fact is that al-desko dining is an unhealthy habit you would be wise to break, and here's why.

Firstly, you need to give yourself time away from the screen. Buying your lunch in a café, eating in the office cafeteria or taking a sandwich to the park all give your eyes a chance to recover from the computer glare. A mini digital detox in the middle of the day can really work wonders for your concentration levels and your mental health.

Secondly, it's a chance for some human interaction. Most of us end up working in a bubble, communicating with the person next to us by email and rarely talking to others. Taking a lunch break with colleagues and actually chatting for a change is far more mentally stimulating than online shopping and endlessly scrolling on social media.

Thirdly, think of the impact you might be having on those around you. How smelly and noisy is your lunch? If you're munching your way through a fish paste sandwich and a bag of crisps, the person next to you might not share your tastes or be too grateful for the distraction. Al-desko dining can lead to simmering tensions.

Overall, it's better for everyone when people choose not to eat at their desks. Yes, it seems convenient, but you spend long enough at your desk the rest of the working day. You're entitled to a lunch break, so use it well.