French office workers can now experience the precious American pastime of quickly swallowing a dull salad at their tables … without breaking the law
Until now, French labor laws have prohibited people from eating at the workplace, according to The Local fr.
But a government decree that went into effect on Monday relaxed the rules due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Before the pandemic, French workers traditionally enjoyed relaxed lunches with various dishes at local restaurants with coworkers.
But the new rules make it easier for those who still need to go 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 determines that workers limit “moments of socializing” – including coffee breaks and socializing with colleagues, according to the report.
Workers are generally still encouraged to work remotely, but a reversal in January allowed employees to visit the office once a week, if the employer deems it necessary.
Brief lunches at the table are not really unheard of in the European country, noted Fr. local – eating habits have now become more Americanized, and some French office workers were really surprised to learn that the ban was still in the books.