Confused about lunch hour at my 9-5 job?

Question

I have a great job and work for a great company. Hours are 9-5, I'm salaried, and it's a very small company (under 20 employees) and on my first day, I was never officially told what the lunch break was, but no one in our office ever goes out fr lunch, unless they need to get food and they're only gone for about 10-15 minutes. Everyone always eats at their desk, which I've always found strange.

Eventually, after a few months at the company, I was talking to a coworker on the train back home, and she explained that it's kind of "understood" that since we only work 9-5, it isn't encouraged to take a lunch. It especially frustrating for me because I'm the kind of person that likes a small break in the middle of the day to clear my head, etc. Not to mention a large portion of my job is answering phone calls. So if I'm eating at my desk, and a call comes through, I'm expected to answer it, and it's just really irritating. I feel like I have to scarf my lunch in 60 seconds to avoid that situation.

I was just wondering if this sounds crazy to anyone else, because my coworkers don't seem to be bothered by it. Other than the weird lunch thing, I'm treated really well (early Fridays in the summers, great bonus plan, good personal time, etc.), so I feel bad saying something. How should I handle this, though? Let it go and deal, or speak up and talk to my supervisor?

Answer 1

"employee handbook"????

If there is no employee hand book then ask your boss, tell him/her that you need half an hour to eat lunch, maybe walk a bit outside, clear your head as it will increase your productivity and work quality.

Besides, I thought there were laws with regards to this. "Health and Safety" Regulations etc.

Answer 2

Their breaking the law by not giving you information or time to have a lunch break. Speak to your supervisor about it and get it sorted soon. If that doesn't resolve it, go to somebody higher if you genuine like the job or search for another job and wait till you secure a new job and leave.  

Answer 3

Technically, unless you are a manager, <directly responsible for 3 or more employees> or a commissioned salesman, you are not to be concidered an exempt /saleried employee.

All employees who work an 8 hour day are entitled to lunch by law.

However, given the circumstances of your company ... good job, good company, great people, great benefits... I would deal with it.

In this job market, with the number of BAD Companies , bad people etc., (also rare to find <if any> good employee benefits, in a small companies),

I would be happy to work for them.

Bring your lunch - take a walk in the fresh air for 15 or 20 min.

Up to you....

As the other person had said:

by law you are entitled to a minimum 30 min lunch.

It's been awhile since I have read the most updated version of EDD regulations, but I also believe you are entitled to 2 -10 min breaks for an 8 hr period.

If it is absolutely driving you crazy, and you can't deal with it, approach your supervisor, with a smile, and let them know, '' you need to get out occasionally for errands, what not...''so what is the best time for lunch around here?'' <continue smiling.. and wait for the answer...he who speaks first, looses>

Always remember..

1) Don't ask the question unless you are ready to accept the answer.

2) Once you accept and establish the guidelines, don't go in and try to change them or whine about them later.

3) Biggest Problem within companies stem from lack of communication and unmet expectations.

Question for yourself is; how important is this to me? and how much do I like my Job?

Bottom line, they cannot keep you from lunch, legally you are entitled.

Answer 4

check out workers union to make sure, then speak to the supervisor but I'm sure that it is compulsory for them to give at least a 30 minute eating period