Open Letter to Employers on the Lola Nena’s Working Lunch Controversy: "Respect Our Work Boundaries"

Dear Employers and Managers,

As a working mom, I want to address a crucial issue that’s come to light following the recent controversy surrounding Lola Nena’s bakery and its co-founder, Steffi Santana. The viral TikTok video featuring Steffi working through her lunch break has ignited a necessary conversation about how we manage and value our work hours, particularly when it comes to respecting break times.

In the video, Steffi used her lunch break for a meeting, explaining: “Siyempre, yung lunch, hindi lang yan break. Isa pa yang chance to clarify and remind ourselves: Ano ba yung main goal natin? And paano ba natin make-keep yung sarili natin [na] accountable to those main goals?” This view of lunch breaks as just another opportunity for work discussions has faced significant backlash. Many believe that lunch breaks should be sacred time for rest, free from work-related interruptions.

The reactions have been telling. One viewer commented, “Lola Nena’s co-founder taking away employees’ lunch time for a ‘game plan’ meeting was neither impressive nor empowering.” Another stated, “Meetings should be done during work hours, not break time.” Such feedback reflects a widespread belief that employees deserve uninterrupted breaks.

For many of us, especially working moms, breaks are not just about stepping away from our desks—they are moments to check in on our kids, handle personal tasks, or reconnect with our families. Balancing work and family responsibilities means we need these breaks to recharge, both mentally and physically. Our lunch breaks often double as a critical time to make quick calls, ensure everything is going smoothly at home, or simply take a moment to breathe.

Steffi Santana’s subsequent apology acknowledged the issue: “I’m sorry for being so careless and irresponsible with my words and actions. Hindi po ito ang intensyon ko. Ako po mismo galit din kapag may unfair o naaagrabyado. I’m sorry for posting it without context.” While she clarified that the meeting involved colleagues who could adjust their schedules, her response highlights the need for clear boundaries between work and personal time.

The Filipino Work Ethic and Its Consequences

Our culture of diligence and self-sacrifice is something we take great pride in. We are known for our commitment and willingness to go above and beyond. However, this same dedication can sometimes lead us to neglect our own well-being. The practice of working through breaks or extending work hours without adequate rest has become alarmingly common, often resulting in burnout and diminished job satisfaction.

Why Breaks Matter: A Working Mom’s Perspective

The benefits of taking regular breaks are well-supported by research, highlighting several key advantages:

1. Enhanced Productivity: Short breaks help us recharge, leading to improved efficiency and focus. Studies from the University of Illinois reveal that breaks can significantly boost productivity and reduce mental fatigue.
2. Boosted Creativity: Time away from work allows our minds to wander, fostering creativity. The Journal of Experimental Psychology notes that breaks can lead to innovative ideas and fresh perspectives.
3. Improved Concentration: Continuous work without breaks can impair concentration. Regular breaks help maintain focus and enhance task performance.
4. Stress Reduction: Breaks provide a necessary respite from stress, allowing us to return to work feeling more relaxed and less overwhelmed.
5. Better Physical Health: Regular breaks help alleviate physical issues like eye strain, headaches, and muscle fatigue, while also reducing the risk of burnout and work-related injuries.
6. Work-Life Balance: Frequent breaks support a healthier work-life balance by providing time for personal responsibilities, thereby increasing job satisfaction.
7. Positive Workplace Culture: Encouraging breaks fosters a supportive work environment where employees feel trusted and valued, enhancing cooperation and morale.

Legal Rights and Employee Welfare

The Labor Code of the Philippines mandates that employees working more than eight hours a day are entitled to a meal break of at least one hour. Compliance with these regulations is crucial not only for legal adherence but also for promoting a healthier and more balanced work environment.

A Call for Change

The Lola Nena’s controversy underscores the urgent need for a cultural shift in how we approach work and breaks. To create a more respectful and supportive work environment, we should:

1. Honor Break Times: Ensure that employees have uninterrupted time for their breaks. Meetings and work discussions should be scheduled during regular work hours, not during breaks.
2. Promote Regular Breaks: Create a culture where taking breaks is seen as an essential and positive aspect of the workday, not a sign of weakness or lack of dedication.
3. Support Employee Well-being: Offer resources and programs that support mental and physical health, including flexible work arrangements and wellness initiatives.
4. Assess Workloads and Expectations: Regularly evaluate and adjust workloads to prevent overwork, ensuring that employees have adequate time to rest and recharge.

By adopting these changes, we can build a more productive, healthier, and happier work environment. Respecting lunch breaks and encouraging a balanced work approach will ultimately benefit both employees and organizations, leading to a more positive and sustainable workplace culture.

The Lola Nena’s incident has sparked an important conversation about our work habits and their impact on our lives. Let us use this moment to reflect on how we can better support each other in the workplace and ensure that every employee has the chance to enjoy their well-deserved breaks in peace.

Sincerely,

A Working Mom Committed to Fair Workplace Practices