I am a fan of takeaway or takeout, depending on what you call food to go.

It is convenient. Occasionally, the floor of my car or the front of my jacket shows my need for a quick meal. Food can be ordered by phone or online. Food can be delivered, picked up, or driven to a window to get it. We know all the ways we can get convenient food into our vehicles.

Recently, as I sat in my car checking emails and snacking, I watched a steady procession of vehicles go through a drive-through line. The line never seemed to let up. It made me think about how isolating such a convenience can be. I understand some people bring the food home or to work to eat with others, but most will eat alone.

Even before COVID, there was a demise of the daily business lunch. Depending on the job, lunch breaks are short, and workers must consume food within a time limit. We eat at our desks, in a meeting, or alone in our cars. We are still isolating ourselves.

During COVID, some businesses resurrected the carhop concept. Groups gathered and ate food either inside vehicles or on the hood of their cars. Picnics were common and even drive-in movies were revived where we gathered together while remaining separate. It was just a couple of ways we used modern conveniences to unite people. I’m not suggesting a world shutdown is something to look back on with nostalgia. I do think we can learn a few lessons.

If you are getting takeout, I hope you also take the time to eat the food with someone else. It doesn’t have to be every day, but carve out space and take the necessary breaks from the work day. Perhaps go for a walk and ask someone to join you. I work remotely, so I need to remind myself to reach out to other people. The companionship of sharing a meal or taking a break has been proven to reduce stress and make workers more effective and productive.

A 2022 survey by ez cater questioned 1,000 workers nationwide and found that 70% of the people surveyed eat while they work at least one day a week, 1 in 10 employees never take a lunch break, while 43% eat lunch at their desk more than three times a week. The most significant factor was people feeling they accomplished more by skipping lunch, but the opposite is true. Staff taking breaks are rejuvenated and able to work smarter, not harder.

I’m going to try to practice what I preach. Perhaps I can start by just vacuuming the takeout evidence from the seat of my car. Baby steps.