French office workers can now experience the treasured American pastime of quickly burning away a lackluster salad at their desk … without breaking the law
Until now, French labor laws forbade people to eat in the workplace, according to The Local fr.
But a government decision that went into effect Monday relaxed the rules due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prior to the pandemic, French workers traditionally enjoyed leisurely multi-course lunches at local eateries with colleagues.
But the new rules make it easier for those who still need to come to the office to have a safe and socially distant meal.
The change – which is only temporary – applies to companies with more than 50 employees.
The new measure also requires employees to limit “socializing moments” – including coffee breaks and socializing with their colleagues, the report said.
Employees are still generally encouraged to telecommute, but a January rollback allowed employees to visit the office once a week, if their employer deems it necessary.
Short desk lunches are actually not unheard of in the European nation, Local fr noted – eating habits are already more Americanized there, and some French office workers were actually surprised to learn that the ban was still on the books.