Report: Business Owners Are Becoming "Mouse Potatoes"

Are you so busy that you eat breakfast, lunch and—and dare we suggest—dinner at your computer? If so, then you're in danger of becoming a "mouse potato," according to a recent study released by office supply retailer Staples. A survey of 300-plus small business managers revealed that, since the economic slowdown, managers have been not only spending more time at their computers, but also eating most of their meals there. Sixty-two percent of the respondents agreed they are becoming "mouse potatoes" from eating and working on their computers at the same time, and 20 percent admitted to "deskfasting"—eating breakfast while using their computers—to maximize their time.
The survey also revealed that small-business owners and managers are not only cutting into their mealtimes to adapt to economic stress, but also reducing their own compensation as well as business travel costs. The good news? Most of the respondents expressed confidence that they would weather the crisis, with 84 percent predicting to be in business next year. Hopefully, this will also mean a return to lunch breaks and dinner at home!