Learning Isn’t a Luxury. And Neither Is My Lunch Break.

So why should I have to sacrifice either?

Somewhere along the way, someone decided that the best time to do professional development was when we’re meant to be resting. Thus, the lunchtime webinar was born, well-meaning, convenient, and utterly symbolic of a bigger problem in workplace culture.

We treat learning as an extra. As something we do “if there’s time.” As something we fit around the “real” workday.

On paper, it sounds pragmatic. A quick 45-minute CPD session at midday. Log in, listen, learn, log out, all without disrupting productivity.

But let’s call it what it is, a compromise. A signal that learning is secondary. A quiet reinforcement that development is not “real” work.

And it gets worse.

Because in asking people to choose between learning and lunch, we’re also reinforcing another toxic idea: that self-care is expendable, that breaks are negotiable, and that the only way to grow is to give something up.

That’s not healthy. It’s not equitable. And it’s not sustainable.

What message does a lunchtime webinar really send?

🔹 “We know you’re busy, so we’ll squeeze this in where we can.”

🔹 “We don’t want to disrupt the working day.”

🔹 “You should be grateful for this opportunity, even if it means skipping your break.”

These messages might not be said out loud, but they’re heard loud and clear.

Lunchtime learning may appear flexible, but it's built on a narrow view of who can attend, when, and under what conditions. Not everyone has the privilege of controlling their lunch hour. Not everyone can multitask. Not everyone has a desk job.

And even if they do, should we really be asking people to use their only real break in the day to focus on learning?

If we believe learning is essential, we need to treat it that way

🧠 Book it in working hours.

💬 Make it active, not passive.

🛠️ Design it around how people actually learn, with focus, reflection, interaction, and application.

And yes, protect the lunch break too. Not just because people are entitled to it, but because they need it. Because productivity and performance depend on recovery. Burnout doesn’t make anyone smarter.

We don’t hold board meetings over lunch. We don’t schedule performance reviews while someone is eating a sandwich. We give those things space and respect. Why not learning?

There’s a better way

Instead of lunchtime webinars, consider:

✅ Dedicated learning time during core hours

✅ Team-based learning sprints that are built into existing workflows

✅ Structured, asynchronous content that people can complete when it suits them

✅ Learning retreats or half-day deep-dives

✅ Real project-based learning with feedback and coaching

These options might take a little more planning, but they’re rooted in one important truth:

If learning matters, it deserves time.

Let’s stop asking people to choose between developing their potential and taking care of themselves.

Learning isn’t a luxury. And neither is your lunch break. So let’s stop treating either like they are.