There’s a certain hum that settles into The Shop  Workspace around noon. Music appears to soften, keyboards click slow down, and the smell of someone heating up leftovers starts drifting from the kitchen. It may be a series of subtle reminders, but if you’re paying attention – the quiet cues that a midday break is upon us are actually quite loud.

Somewhere along the way, we’ve gotten so used to rushing through the middle of the day that we’ve forgotten it’s meant to be a natural reset. Out of no where, lunch became optional. Meaningful breaks turned into mindless scrolls. And “I’ll just eat at my desk” became a default.

At The Shop Workspace, we want to change that.

A Better Midday, By Design

The Shop may have built for momentum, but it was also built for balance. The main kitchen is where casual conversations turn into collaborations. Our rooftop and promenades offer actual sun on your face (not just filtered through a hopefully nearby window). And every floor has pockets to pause built in, whether that’s a quiet moment on the 4th floor in Salt Lake City or a change of scenery on our rooftop in New Orleans. The space is ready for you to step away. You just have to give yourself permission to make it happen.

So what does reclaiming your midday break look like?

It’s not about some romanticized two-hour siesta. It’s small moves with big returns:

• Heating up your lunch and sitting down without your laptop open.
• Walking around the block without checking your phone.
• Letting a conversation with a fellow member run a little long because it’s actually energizing you.
• Do a mini desk yoga routine, stretch your neck out and detach your shoulders from your ear lobes.
• Taking a moment in the on the stairs just to breathe (yes, we see you out there – our red stairs in Brooklyn were basically built for thinking).

Not Optional. Necessary.

Breaks aren’t the reward for working hard. They’re part of working well. When you take even 15 intentional minutes in the middle of your day, you show up better for the second half of it – clearer, less reactive, more focused. You’re not falling behind; you’re building longevity and staving off the risk of burnout.

And if you need a little accountability to build the habit? Try making a midday plan with someone. Ask a coworker if they want to grab a bite, go for a walk, or meet on the rooftop. In our experience, most people actually want to take that break and pause, they just need a reason to.

We’re On Your Side

Our action item? Keep building spaces that support the kind of workday you actually want, spaces that let you move between focus and pause without friction. The rest is up to you.

So here’s your sign: block 12:30. Heat something up. Step outside. Say hi to someone. Close the laptop, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

Midday isn’t a gap to fill. It’s a moment to claim.

Let’s not waste it!