NEW DELHI: 95% of Indian employees say they feel more productive after taking a break, yet fewer of them are actually stepping away from work, according to a new study by food services company Compass Group India.
The company’s latest Global Eating at Work (GEAW) study found that 63% of employees believe breaks are undervalued in their organisation, pointing to a gap between what workers know helps them perform and what workplace culture allows.
Fewer regular breaks
The share of employees taking regular breaks three to five times a week fell from 46% in 2023 to 38% in 2025. Nearly a quarter admit they rarely take a meaningful break during the day, and nearly one in four still eat lunch at their desk.
Most employees prefer shorter pauses: 76% would rather take several short breaks than one long one. But 45% say they take breaks only when their workload allows. The study said the trend raises questions about recovery, workplace stress and burnout.
Looking beyond pay
Employees increasingly expect employers to support healthier lifestyles, not just offer pay and benefits. More than 90% say they are changing what they eat and drink to improve their long-term health, and 90% want healthier food options at work. Nutrition, physical activity and quality sleep were rated the three most important drivers of long-term wellbeing.
Sleep remains a concern, with 39% of employees reporting fewer than six hours a night.
Workplace dining ahead of global average
India does well on workplace dining. 51% of Indian employees have access to on-site dining, against a global average of 29%, and 93% share meals with colleagues at least a few times a month.
Expectations are rising too. Nearly 87% want office restaurants to feel like modern high-street eateries, while demand is growing for regional cuisines, healthy snacks and digital ordering.
‘A productivity imperative’
Rahul Shinde, Managing Director, Compass Group India, said, “Our research shows that people clearly understand the value of taking breaks, eating well and having opportunities to connect during the workday, yet many struggle to prioritise them amid growing workloads. For employers, this is no longer simply a wellbeing conversation. It is increasingly a productivity, engagement and talent-retention imperative.”
Manika Awasthi, Chief People and Safety Officer, Compass Group India, said whether employees feel comfortable taking a break, stepping away for lunch, moving during the day or connecting with colleagues has a direct impact on engagement and wellbeing. “The organisations that will lead the future of work are those that make healthy behaviours a natural part of how work gets done,” she said.
The study concludes that productivity and wellbeing are becoming closely linked, and that supporting healthier habits through workplace culture, food and spaces may be one of the easiest ways for employers to improve performance and engagement.