Reception lunch cover can be a frustrating and expensive proposition for everyone involved. From the reception staff unable to reliably utilise their lunch break for personal appointments, to the logistical challenges faced by the supplier and the high costs charged to the clients, the current set up leaves much to be desired.
In most buildings, the set up for lunch cover follows a rather cumbersome process. Firstly, the reception staff are allocated a lunch slot any time between 11am and 2 or sometimes 3pm. However, due to the unpredictable nature of the work environment as well as public transport being unreliable, the roaming receptionist often arrives later than planned – typically within 30 minutes of the scheduled time. This inconsistency creates a ripple effect, leaving the receptionist staff unable to use their lunch break for important personal commitments such as doctor appointments.
Furthermore, the existing service comes with a hefty price tag. Research indicates that the cost of an hour of lunch cover can range from £4.5k to £9k per year in London, placing a significant burden on organisations.
The entire process from start to finish is inefficient, costly and does very little for staff morale. We understand the issues faced and have developed an alternative that addresses them head-on. In replacement of the roaming receptionist, we provide a device that remains on-site 24/7, ensuring there is always consistent cover throughout the day and eliminating the uncertainty surrounding lunch cover.

At the pre-agreed time, the device automatically comes online each day, guaranteeing that on-site staff can take their lunch break at a reasonable time without any disruptions or delays. By adhering to a predictable schedule, employees can plan their personal appointments or activities with confidence.
With the device in place, on-site staff can enjoy the flexibility of taking their lunch break without the constraints that are imposed by the current system. They no longer have to worry about potential clashes or even missing personal appointments or other commitments, allowing for a better and happier work-life balance.
One common challenge faced by the roaming receptionist model is the reliance on public transport, which can be unreliable or disrupted and therefore leads to staffing issues and further delays. With our device, this problem is eliminated entirely as it remains on-site regardless of external factors, ensuring consistent and seamless coverage.
In addition to its operational advantages, our device is significantly cheaper to operate than using a roaming receptionist. The device offers a cost-effective solution without compromising on the quality of service. By reducing expenses, organisations can allocate their resources more effectively and invest in other areas of their business.
By adopting our alternative solution, there is an opportunity to revolutionise the lunch cover process. The frustrations and expenses associated with the current system are replaced with a reliable, flexible and cost-effective alternative. Employees can enjoy a lunch break that truly serves its purpose, whilst organisations can streamline their operations and focus more on other priorities. If you want to say goodbye to the headaches of lunch over, embrace the future with Lares Digital – contact us today to find out more.