The average worker reaches for snacks twice a day – at 11.30am and again at 2.55pm, new research has revealed. A study carried out among 2,000 adults found around three quarters of us suffer our first attack of ‘hangriness’ – anger caused by hunger – around the middle of the morning.
The second yearning for sugary treats then hits just before 3pm.
The survey also revealed more than one in four workers has fallen out with their colleagues or boss when struck by a bout of hunger rage.
A spokesman for popchips, which commissioned the study, said:
”When we lack energy it can be difficult to concentrate.
”If this happens when you are at work it can affect your performance and potentially land you in trouble with your boss.
”Realistically there is not always time to leave your desk to grab a meal.
”At these times a well-placed snack can be exactly what you need. It can provide a quick boost to your energy levels so you can get back to focusing on your work and not on your rumbling stomach.”
The study found that more than three quarters of Brits think a snack helps to boost their energy levels, with the average worker reaching for the snack cupboard twice a day – on top of their usual three meals.
More than a third also said they don’t listen to people properly when they are craving a snack, with almost half likely to avoid doing work all together.
Other tired workers also admit to chatting to colleagues or procrastinating on social media and shopping sites instead of completing their work.
Worse still, one in ten sneaky employees even owned up to faking an illness so they can go home early to see out their slump.
Researchers also found that office snacking comes with a certain etiquette, with 55% saying eating smelly food at your desk is the biggest snacking faux pas, followed by tucking into noisy food.
Sharing our snacks is another bone of contention, with almost one in five saying that while they offer their pick-me-up around to colleagues, they secretly hope that no-one says yes.
A further 20% agreed they eat snacks quickly before anyone realises what they are doing.
And more than one in twenty even choose to snack privately in the bathroom or toilet.
Top five things to do during an energy slump at work
1. Take an early lunch break
2. Pretend to be ill so you can leave early
3. Miss a deadline
4. Go to your car for a nap
5. Fall sleep in a meeting
Top five effects of an energy slump
1. Not listening properly when others talk to you
2. Not completing work to the best of your ability
3. Chat to colleagues instead of doing work
4. Snap at a colleague
5. Procrastinate on shopping websites/social media
