What’s the biggest story to hit the financial world so far this year? Not the impact of Brexit, the state of the pound or speculation when interest rates might rise.
No – and brace yourself for this one – what has everyone talking is news that Lloyds of London has banned lunchtime drinking. Gulp!
More than 800 staff have been told that slipping out for a snifter will no longer be tolerated and doing deals over a bottle of Bolinger or a pint of ale is a thing of the past.
It’s a game changer for the sector that gave us the liquid lunch. Finance and fizz go together like movies and popcorn and the idea of one without the other is almost unthinkable.
So why is Lloyds playing party pooper? There’s been a huge shift in working culture, where many of the behaviours that were once commonplace can now find a company dealing with disciplinary procedures and paying out compensation to employees who’ve been wronged.
The reaction of Lloyds has been to call ‘last orders’ on a culture that’s as old as the firm itself and now more look set to follow.
So, if you’re focused on landing one of the financial services vacancies on s1jobs, don’t expect to spend your lunch breaks in the pub.
What can you do at lunchtime if you’re not in the Horse & Hounds? Here are some great ideas that will help you relax and also progress your career.
Go for a walk
In one hour you could walk three miles and burn off 300 calories. This also gives you time to think and find solutions to any work-related conundrums.
Learn a language
Just 30 minutes a day is enough to implant the basics of French or Cantonese into your brain. In no time at all you’ll be speaking fluently to foreign clients.
Take a yoga class
If sitting at your computer is giving you backache, here’s a chance to regain flexibility. Armed with a sticky mat and a bendy teacher, you’ll soon be making shapes.
Sit on a park bench
Nature Deficit Disorder is a real thing. It’s a sort of low-level gloom brought about by spending too little time in the natural world. Use your lunch break to get in touch with growing things and the changing seasons – your mood and health will both improve.
Motivate your move
Of course, lunch breaks are also the perfect time to advance your career by looking through the latest Financial Services vacancies on s1jobs.