French office workers can now experience the precious American fun of quickly downloading a lightless salad to their offices … without breaking the law
Until now, French labor law forbade people to eat at work, according to The Local fr.
But a government decree that went into effect on Monday relaxed the rules because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Before the pandemic, French workers traditionally enjoyed pleasant multi-course lunches at local restaurants with co-workers.
But the new rules make it easier for those who are still required to come to the office to eat safely and at a social distance.
The change – which is only temporary – applies to companies with more than 50 employees.
The new measure also orders workers to limit “moments of conviviality” – including coffee breaks and socializing with their colleagues, according to the report.
Workers are generally encouraged to work in telecommunications, but a return in January has allowed employees to visit the office once a week if their employer deems it necessary.
Office lunches are not really unheard of in the European nation, Local fr noted – eating habits have already become more Americanized, and some French office workers were actually surprised to learn that the ban was still on the books.