A convivial and pleasant moment for your valued guests, the lunch break is a crucial moment in their working day, and it's essential to make this moment as pleasant as possible!
But what are the rules for employee lunch breaks? How can you set up a good lunch break in your establishment?
In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about lunchtime for your guests!
What are the rules for employee lunch breaks?
The rules governing employees' lunch breaks are strictly defined by employment law. In France, legislation imposes precise obligations regarding the duration and conditions of this well-deserved break.
Labor Code
Under the French Labor Code, any employee whose working day exceeds 6 hours is entitled to a lunch break of at least 20 consecutive minutes. This break is compulsory and must be taken whenever working conditions permit.
It is important to note that the lunch break is not considered as actual working time. Consequently, its duration is not taken into account when calculating legal working hours. For example, if an employee works 8 hours a day, he or she must work 7.5 hours of actual working time, with the remaining half-hour reserved for the lunch break.
Mandatory break? Integral part of remuneration?
Legislation does not specify a precise location for the lunch break. Nonetheless, employers are required to provide an appropriate space for their staff to eat in hygienic and comfortable conditions.
As far as pay is concerned, employees are not paid during their lunch break, as this is not counted as actual working time. However, if an employee carries out a task or directive from his or her employer during his or her break, such as monitoring the telephone, then the break time is taken into account when calculating pay.
In the event of a workplace accident?
If an accident occurs in the workplace during the lunch break, general industrial accident legislation applies, whether the accident occurs during working hours or during the lunch break. Employees therefore benefit from the protection provided by industrial accident legislation, including medical care and, where appropriate, compensation commensurate with the seriousness of the accident.
However, it is essential to consult the specific legal provisions and check the applicable collective bargaining agreements for precise information on the rules governing employees' lunch breaks, as they can vary depending on the sector of activity and the collective agreements in force.
Why make this moment more convivial?
Convenience, speed, improved internal management of the restaurant, differentiation from the competition, additional services for guests... The advantages of digitizing your restaurant are numerous!
Make the lunch break a moment of well-being for your employees
A friendly lunch break gives employees the chance to take time for themselves, relax and recharge their batteries. This can have a positive impact on their general well-being, morale and job satisfaction.
Taking a pleasant lunch break allows employees to relax and recharge their batteries. This can help reduce work-related stress and promote better productivity and concentration when they return to their tasks.
A special moment
The lunch break is a special time for bonding, getting together, sharing and building better relationships between work colleagues. By fostering a friendly environment during the lunch break, employees have the opportunity to get to know each other better and interact outside the professional context. This can help strengthen relationships between colleagues, foster team spirit and create a sense of belonging to the company.
4 ideas for a more convivial lunch
Here are some easy-to-implement ideas for your restaurant to inspire you!
1. Creating a friendly break area in the workplace
In the hectic pace of our professional lives, it's essential to take time to recharge, relax and recharge your batteries. That's why it's so important to create a friendly break area in the workplace. Today, more and more companies understand the benefits of offering their employees a place where they can escape from work and refocus on their well-being.
Relaxation, meditation and even napping are gaining in popularity, and rightly so. They help reduce stress, improve concentration and promote general well-being. These spaces can be easily set up: with comfortable sofas and cushions, subdued lighting, relaxing music, zen rooms, even yoga and meditation workshops.
2. Suggest activities
To foster team spirit and conviviality within a company, proposing fun activities and moments of sharing is an excellent initiative. Board games are a fun way of bringing employees together around a table, creating bonds and fostering a relaxed atmosphere. Whether classic games such as chess, cards or modern board games, the aim is to stimulate friendly competition and promote collaboration between colleagues.
Whether it's a regular team lunch or special occasions to celebrate successes, sharing a meal together breaks the work routine, encourages informal exchanges and creates a convivial atmosphere. These activities contribute to a better working climate, where team spirit and camaraderie are valued.
Here are a few examples of activities:
- board games,
- sports activities,
- smoothie bar,
- culinary challenges, etc.
3. Install corners
By installing dedicated corners in your company, such as a bakery, a lunch area, a confectionery or even a fruit basket, you offer your employees a warm and welcoming environment. The idea is to recreate a "home-like" atmosphere, where your employees feel comfortable and relaxed.
And feeling "at home" is what dedicated corners installed in companies offer. This concept is becoming increasingly popular, given its many advantages. In a few words, corners offer convenience and speed to guests, while providing a moment of serenity, sharing and pleasure for healthy eating!
4. Improving the guest experience through digital technology
Digital technology is ideal for saving your guests time during their meal break. For example, by allowing them to preview the menu, they can make faster decisions. They can plan the dishes they want to choose in advance, so they don't go round in circles in the restaurant.
And for those in a hurry, why not set up online ordering? With this solution, your guests can choose to order on the spot or to take away, giving them great flexibility and reducing their waiting time.
There are also many other possibilities, such as tray scanning, order kiosks and connected fridges!
Here are the advantages:
- With tray scanning, your guests can place their order quickly and efficiently by simply scanning their meal tray. Gone are the days of long queues and wasted time during lunch breaks. Now they can optimize every minute of their precious break time!
- The kiosk is a modern solution found in fast-food outlets, and one that is very popular with the general public. Not only is it fun to use, it also allows diners to pay for their meal without going to the cashier.
- Finally, the connected fridge is a practical option if you have an on-site catering area. Your customers will be able to consult the contents of the fridge remotely, check availability and reserve their meals in advance. This ensures better stock management and avoids disappointment when a dish runs out.
👉 To find out more: Scan Plateau with AI revolutionizes foodservice
Digitalization in the foodservice industry is an unsuspected answer to providing your customers with a quality dining experience. Why not get started now?
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Would you like to digitalize your establishment to improve your employees' lunch break? Contact an Innovorder expert!
