Catching up on work? Eating at your desk can prove more harm than good. "LUNCH is for wimps" Gordon Gekko famously said in Wall Street and it seems Australians have taken him literally. Workers are skipping the midday meal in growing numbers and opting to eat "al desko" and catch up on personal admin instead, according to research by ING Direct. Nearly one in three people admitted to eating in front of their computer, with another third skipping lunch entirely. The survey also found a typical lunch break lasts just 15-30 minutes, with nearly 40 per cent of people spending it catching up on phone calls, 30 per cent doing personal jobs and another 30 per cent in the shops. Health and productivity expert, Andrew May wasn't surprised at the results but was pleased research had been done in the area. People think the best way to be productive is to power through, but seeing that same person in the afternoon shift, you can see they're tired and fatigued. What should take you 45 minutes can take three hours because you're just on autopilot," he said. Around 25 per cent of people admitted to spending their lunch break on social media, with just seven per cent taking time out to go to the gym. Mr May said people can get into a trap where they are "busy being busy," but it's actually incredibly beneficial to take a break during the day. Taking a lunch break away from your desk, even if it is only 15 to 20 minutes, is a proven way to increase productivity and decision making throughout the afternoon. "Human beings do not work in a linear fashion like machines and taking regular breaks is imperative to help sustain concentration and energy levels throughout the day," he said. The trend for being chained to the desk is growing, with nearly 10 per cent saying their lunch breaks had become less regular in the last 18 months. However Mr May said it's crucial to make sure you have digital detox at some point and step outside the office. "What I find scary about this research is that many Australians aren't even seeing the light of day during their work hours which has a detrimental impact on health, let alone productivity and managing stress," he said. On the positive side, 34 per cent of workers reported they always take a lunch break. What do you do on your lunchbreak? Tells us in the comments below or continue the conversation on Twitter @Victoria_Craw @newscomauHQ