- 43% of secretarial and support professionals eat lunch at their desk and just 35% leave the office at lunch.
- 43% of secretarial and support professionals take 30 minutes or less for lunch each day.
- Long working hours would motivate 46% of secretarial and support professionals to look for a new role
Research from the Robert Walters Career Lifestyle Survey1 has revealed that almost half of secretarial and support professionals (43%) do not leave their desk for lunch. 22% ate away from their desk but remained in the office and just 35% left the office during their lunch break.
The survey also found that 43% of secretarial and support professionals took less than 30 minutes for their lunch break each day. 13% said that they did not take any break for lunch at all.
GILL OWEN, MANAGER FOR SECRETARIAL AND SUPPORT RECRUITMENT AT ROBERT WALTERS, COMMENTS:
“Time pressure on secretarial and business support staff is often high, with tight deadlines and a heavy workload leading many to cut their lunch break short or even forgo it entirely.”
“Managers need to remain aware of the impact this can have on staff productivity and morale, taking steps to ensure that staff take adequate breaks during the day to rest and relax. Failing to do so can ultimately do more harm than good, with secretarial and support professionals suffering from burnout and becoming less effective in their role.”
HALF OF SECRETARIAL AND SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS WOULD CHANGE ROLES DUE TO WORKING HOURS
46% of secretarial and support professionals said that a culture of long working hours would motivate them to change jobs.
While a disappointing salary review (67%) and a lack of career progression (58%) were more likely to lead them to start a job search, working hours were still a key consideration for many.
GILL OWEN CONTINUES:
“Work life balance is a growing priority for many professionals and secretarial and support staff are no exception.”
“Employers looking to attract and retain top calibre professionals in this field need to consider what steps they are taking to address workplace culture and the issue of working hours.”
“While secretarial and support professionals have other priorities which must be considered, firms which can offer a good work life balance in addition to competitive pay and career progression can give themselves a significant edge over competitors.”
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For further information, please contact Alan O’Doherty on alan.odoherty@robertwalters.com or 020 7509 8839
