At first I am extremely sad that we all are going through the tough and strange times due to COVID-19. Being isolated is not fun at all and many pleasures such as socialising, events and sport games have been taken. We also lost opportunities to get refreshed by going out. Restaurants, cafes and bars are shut mostly in the world, therefore people cannot enjoy fine cuisines or great drinks.
Meanwhile Governments and Society are seeking the new life style and social standards. Here in Japan, we are encouraged to reduce human contacts by 80 per cent to avoid getting infected. Like in the other parts of the world, we are encouraged to work at home when possible and companies are suggested to introduce flexible working hours as well as roster for working at the office.
Commuting on packed trains has been stressful for decades and now produces chanced to get infected. Therefore the Government encourages the public to spread hours to get to work and leave the workplaces. Setting flexible hours is essential. But what I have not heard about is setting flexible lunch times.
Dining under the same roof with many people may cause being infected and therefore restaurants are closed. Even after the disease is settled down, floor plans will be revised and premises will be less patronised. Restaurants and cafes had been packed before the pandemic happened.
Although many employees would work at their homes, those working at the offices would dine at restaurants and cafes. Also companies' cafeterias can be packed. Then to reduce chances of getting infected, why not spreading lunch hours? Flexible working hours would benefit both customers and businesses. Customers will be served their meals faster. Hospitality workers would be less stressed because of dealing fewer tasks at times. And virus will be less infected for everyone.
I suggest the society to introduce flexible lunch times under the rostered flexible working hours.
Stay strong and safe. We will beat COVID-19.
