Covid-19, Workday Lunch and the French Labor Code

In February 2021, the French government relaxed Labor Code and authorized workday lunches in office on shop floor to prevent spread of Covid-19 dedicated eating places (canteens, lunch rooms, refectories). The general reception measure was indifferent. Conservative media, however, welcomed news as a long overdue step toward more individual liberty less rigid labor market. This opinion misconstrues historical origins lunch-time regulation well economic effects cultural meaning breaks. First, public health inspired original 1894. Second, its upshots have since sustained commensality people’s wellbeing. Third, scientific studies show that breaks increase productivity afternoon. Far from being drag economy or firm, midday working days benefits both employees employers. Proper meals workdays are likely survive shock pandemic.