A virtual lunchtime (VLT) is an innovative period of "sanctuary" for employees where the usual controlled policy of Internet/email surveillance is temporarily relaxed. This should take place during the lunch hour but remains a practical proposition for other times of the day too.

Although usually initiated for an hour between 12 noon and 2pm, the VLT is designed to be flexible. For instance, some companies might prefer to activate it first thing every morning, others for the whole of Friday afternoons. The virtual lunchtime is a badly needed bit of common sense. When it comes to the crunch, employers can choose to trust their workforce or treat them like children.