58% of Irish workers say their diet suffers on office days with new research revealing the toll on mealtimes and mental wellbeing

Ireland, July 2025: As hybrid policies continue to tighten and employers ramp up post-summer plans, a new wave of return-to-office mandates is emerging — and with it, fresh pressure on Ireland’s working routines and eating habits. New research from HelloFresh reveals that over half of Irish workers (58%) say their diet is worse on days they go into the office, with long commutes and mental load driving a surge in convenience eating. The study, commissioned by Ireland’s leading recipe kit provider, found that:

  • 28% eat fast food on office days (vs. 14% when working from home)

  • 32% order takeaway or delivery (vs. 19% on WFH days)

  • 69% say increased office time makes it harder to eat well

  • 85% agree that flexible work arrangements help them to cook and eat better meals

With over 40% of workers now back in the office four to five days a week, dinner is becoming one of the first things to slip. Lack of time, physical tiredness and mental exhaustion top the list of reasons workers skip home-cooked meals midweek.

Brian Crooke, workplace wellbeing educator and founder of Workplace Wellbeing Ireland, says:

“Our diets are closely tied to our routines — and office days can really throw them off. When time is tight and energy is low, it’s natural to reach for whatever’s quick and comforting,  but that often means less nutritious food. The key is making healthier choices easier and more accessible, and building simple rituals into the week that support balance, not burnout.”

With this in mind, Brian shares five easy principles for maintaining wellbeing,  even during busy office weeks filled with long commutes and mental load.

1. Build Boundaries Before Burnout

As more time is spent in the office, it’s easy to let work and personal time blur. But boundaries aren’t selfish; they’re protective. Whether through Ireland’s Right to Disconnect, a team charter, or a personal “How I Work Best” agreement, it’s important to define when and how you work. Small actions, such as finishing work with a walk, cooking a meal, or using an email footer to state your hours, create the space to switch off meaningfully and protect your mental wellbeing.

2. Protect Your Attention as Much as Your Time

In busy, office-based routines, attention is a finite resource, even more so than time. Regaining focus after a digital interruption takes over 20 minutes, so being present matters. Anchor your attention once each day: during your commute, a solo walk, or a phone-free meal. These small moments of focus, done consistently, support both productivity and deeper connection. This approach is more effective than striving for daily perfection.

3. Redefine Convenience as Connection

Busy office days can tempt us into defaulting to whatever’s quickest, often at the cost of connection. Prepping a mindful dinner with your family or using a meal kit like HelloFresh to free up time for conversation are ways to bring presence into everyday moments. Choose simplicity that deepens your relationships. For example, sit down for a shared meal rather than opting for another rushed takeaway.

4. Create Rituals, Not Just Routines

Commuting, meetings and screen time can dominate the day. Rituals — even brief ones — help rebalance it. Whether it’s five minutes of breathing before emails, setting intentions for the day, or changing clothes after work, these small, consistent actions support wellbeing across mental, physical, and social dimensions. They’re not just habits; they’re transitions that ground us and protect our energy.

5. Think in Weeks, Not Days

Balance isn’t achieved by doing everything every day. Some office days will be packed with meetings and collaboration; others at home might allow time for focus or recovery. The key is designing your week intentionally, aligning your tasks with your energy, and planning meals and downtime accordingly. It’s the weekly rhythm, not the daily checklist, that supports lasting wellbeing.

Looking to take the stress out of midweek meals? Sign up at HelloFresh.ie today and discover how Ireland’s leading recipe kit provider can help get dinnertime, with delicious meals delivered straight to your door.