There are companies that don't allow lunch break(s). In my country (Romania) there is a law that forces the companies to 1 hour of lunch break for the employees.
As a programmer, I can't work continously for more than 4 hours and not have my coherence and my productivity go down.
However I've seen many people in the US and not only US mention a 9-5 work schedule. That is 8h. Does it include a lunch break?
the 9-5 is kind of a myth. At least I don't know anyone that actually works that. Most jobs are 9 hour shifts with a one hour lunch break. I work 8-5 with a one hour lunch.
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays my lunch break is at the gym. I eat at my desk afterwards. Tuesdays and Thursdays I just eat at my desk (by choice) so I can go home earlier.
In the US there are state and federal laws requiring breaks when working a certain number of hours (6, where I am). When we say "9-5", it implies "with lunch".
In Canada, the law states that for over 7(?) hours of work, you must get a half hour lunch break (unpaid). Most employers are pretty good about letting their employees take the lunch break. I haven't worked at a place that didn't.
Lunch breaks are a must in U.S., in some companies it's actually a big part of corporate culture. Lots of business deals are negotiated at lunches.
There are companies that don't allow lunch break(s).
I thought that slavery is forbidden? Seriously, any company that tries to pull that stunt should either a) pay very well or b) have the government support it opressing it's people.
Lunch break is always included in every proper and serious company.
We try to keep to a forty hour week to reduce the amount of bugs. Yes we do take a break for lunch. As for the hours we choose our own.
Personally, no, I don't take lunch breaks. I like falling asleep later after work with mayo from my cheese steak still on my beard. When solving problems, lunch is annoying to me (sometimes, so is dinner).
However, yes, we do give employees a one hour lunch break .. and I don't complain when people use them.
The choice to take lunch comes down to "Are you hungry?" and nothing else. I don't award 'bonus points' for people who work though lunch.. actually I get worried about their energy drink consumption.
I like eating twice per day, for me lunch is when the phone calls and interruptions stop and I can actually get work done.
If you are hungry, go eat. Otherwise (funny):
Classroom, (circa 1980's):
Teacher: (to me) Where are you going (as I leave the room) Me: To the restroom Teacher: You need to raise your hand to go to the restroom! Me: No you don't! Watch!
We are tools, not slaves.