Sandwich or long lunch? Lack of time and attendance of food outlets by French workers

Abstract

PurposeThis study explores the relation between workers' choices of food outlets for lunch during the workday and their time constraints.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,132 French wage-earners in order to identify the dimensions indicative of lack of time among workers and to examine their associations with the likelihood of different food outlet choices.FindingsExploratory factor analysis revealed four dimensions indicative of lack of time. Binary logistic regressions revealed that each dimension was linked to at least one food outlet choice. This research suggests that the dietary practices of workers are associated with their time constraints.Practical implicationsTime constraints play a role in attendance of food outlets for lunch and should be taken into account when promoting healthier lunch behaviors among employees.Originality/valueThis is the first research investigating the links between time constraints and attendance of food outlets in the context of lunch during the workday.