No lunch?

Jem4417 · Sep 16, 2017

i understand that it's a law that you get a break every 8 hours or whatever it is. But I find stopping for a half hour or 45 minutes ruins my rhythm for the rest of the day. I like eating throughout the day with short breaks to keep my blood flowing and focus kept. We get an unpaid lunch but I always try to get the crew to just work through. Sometimes we can ask to work through and get paid but most times management won't pay us and either way I still want to keep moving. I ll even just keep working while everyone eats because I really think it can make you sluggish, pool your blood, and stiffen your muscles. How do you feel about stopping for lunch?

JD3000 · Sep 16, 2017

I oftentimes don't when alone but most guys won't work through their lunch break.

To each their own.

I graze on food throughout the day but I also have more windshield time than most.

I will take one when it's particularly hot or wicked cold though.

CutHighnLetFly · Sep 16, 2017

I'm the same as you jem, rarely plan on taking lunch. But typically when you get 3+ people on a crew not everyone will feel that way. And personally opinion, when the one guy doesn't get his lunch, he's bumming and it's bad on moral.
If it's a full day and I'm working thru, I will outright say to people hey grab a bite to eat now, take a quick food break.
It's kinda something that I have to deal with depending on work and crew, but if one doesn't ignore people's need a and attitudes, people don't usually mind.
As far as the company mentality, I'll go home a half an hr earlier rather than take lunch or not. Pay me or not

ROYCE · Sep 16, 2017

My crew works as a super high pace and lunch is a must. We start at 6:45 and usually have a chainsaw running 30 to 35 mins later. Normally all the major tasks are completed by lunch time. So after lunch is small stuff and a super cleanup.
Everyone is different..... but I like lunch time to talk with everyone. Catch up on what's going on in their lives, talk about how the job is going....and have a half hour of silence with no equipment running. As I get older I feel life moving faster and faster. Why work through lunch....the work will never be done. Mine as well enjoy a little rest along the way.

ROYCE · Sep 16, 2017

My crew works as a super high pace and lunch is a must. We start at 6:45 and usually have a chainsaw running 30 to 35 mins later. Normally all the major tasks are completed by lunch time. So after lunch is small stuff and a super cleanup.
Everyone is different..... but I like lunch time to talk with everyone. Catch up on what's going on in their lives, talk about how the job is going....and have a half hour of silence with no equipment running. As I get older I feel life moving faster and faster. Why work through lunch....the work will never be done. Mine as well enjoy a little rest along the way.

joezilla11 · Sep 16, 2017

So Royce what time do guys usually take lunch then? Since u start early do u break early at 10 or 11 or wait til noonish or just whenever it feels right with the job at hand

Jem4417 · Sep 16, 2017

If you get 75 % of your work order completed by the midway point then sure a long break is fine before an easy afternoon, but if your predicting to have to go balls to the wall right after lunch in order to get done at a decent time your better off just taking intermittent breaks otherwise you lose all momentum and the lunch is counter productive

southsoundtree · Sep 17, 2017

I graze. I drink coffee. I've been accused of being a cyborg. Kids these days.

I pay all day, unless there is a clear lunch break of 30 or more minutes. I ask them to take it out on their timesheet.

CutHighnLetFly · Sep 17, 2017

@ROYCE I'll talk life on the ride home hahaha

flyingsquirrel25 · Sep 17, 2017

When I worked residential in Royce's market we didn't take lunch. Worked 8 hours and went home. Sure we would eat a sandwich headed up on the hook or between tops but not set lunch time. We worked pretty high paced especially looking back at the equipment we didn't have that is available now. I moved to PA and lunch was at 11:30. I hated it at first but I got used to it, very seldom did we work through. But it sure did stop the momentum as we were not allowed to eat on the job site (due to the public). now when I'm doing light stuff alone I will graze during the day and keep moving, but if I have an extra climber the lunch is a benefit to us. Sure stops production for a half hour or so, but we are in a much better mood for the end of the day if we eat.

Kris Anderson · Sep 21, 2017

The company I work for work straight through. If I'm crew leader I'll take a break with my guys. I've observed that if the guys work through there breaks then the speed starts to slow down. If we have a lunch then sure, motivation to get moving again isn't there and it takes about 5 mins after for everyone to switch on again but I feel that our speed gets right back up there again.
I also think a good break each day helps your guys stay motivated in the long run and doesn't leave them feeling beat up all day.

Jem4417 · Sep 22, 2017

I'd be down for 3 ten minute breaks or however you want to break up your allotted time. Because sitting down for half hour and eating a "meal" just changes how your body reacts. Your blood flow changes. I personally try to eat small portions throughout the day. Putting all that food in your stomach at one time is anti productive when you plan on making a 70 foot ascent at 1230, assuming lunch is at 12

JD3000 · Sep 22, 2017

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.

treehumper · Sep 22, 2017

You do know that breaks were studied and found to increase productivity? This goes way back to studies by industrial engineers. I'm in this game for the long haul so, breaks are a must. I prefer taking a lunch where everyone stops and shuts down the equipment. The point is not just to nourish your body but to give your mind a chance to reset and refocus. Hard to do with chippers, saws, or any assortment of equipment running.

It doesn't mean an all you can eat buffet but proper food that won't slow you down.

Drumbo · Sep 22, 2017

I think lunch is a must, it just isn't cool to have a crew of guys and tell them they can't stop for a lunch break. Your average job gives breaks I am pretty sure, or they did when I still had a "regular work force" job why should tree work be any different. If we want to be professional and get and retain quality workers for our companies we should probably be letting people take lunch. If its raining a bit in the morning maybe go and buy the crew breakfast, it helps keep moral high and makes people want to work for you.
I contract climb and I'll take a crew to lunch, why not?

JD3000 · Sep 22, 2017

Fluids, lean protein, fruits, veggies.

Eat the fun stuff for dinner but lunch should be for rehydration and fuel

Jem4417 · Sep 22, 2017

I'm not saying for the right time and job it isn't appropriate. And I firmly agree breaks are essential. I'm just seeing if anyone else finds staying moving makes them more efficient. I'll do yoga during lunch or try to set some stuff up with the throwball. I see guys just lose all steam after lunch sometimes and wondered if a possible restructure of how arborists break could be more productive and healthier. @JD3000 you still owe me a beer

JD3000 · Sep 22, 2017

Come to Cbus for TCI or ISA.

Brewery literally across the street from the convention center. Best in town IMO.

Jem4417 · Sep 22, 2017

My company flopped on getting my ctsp stuff on time but that originally was the plan. I'll catch a buzz party at an event soon enough. We can all grab lunch!