Here’s a radical proposal for the workweek ahead: Let’s band together and take back the lunch hour. And once we get it back, let’s put it to good use.

Let’s take a walk.

A fact that will surprise few of you: In 2006, KFC — the fried chicken people — conducted a survey of working America’s lunchtime habits that found, among other things, that nearly two-thirds of worker bees surveyed declared the lunch “hour” to be “the biggest myth in office life.” In practice, 52 percent said they took less than 30 minutes for lunch and 58 percent reported that they eat at their desk and work through lunch.

Most unfortunate, this apparent feeling by much of the workforce (including our pictured friend) that they need to work through lunch in order to squeeze out another widget by the 5 o’clock whistle. Unfortunate, too, that corporate America does little to discourage this behavior. Because by letting their workers stay at their desks over lunch, they’re damaging the bottom line. Here’s why.

More productive workers. You don’t need a study — although plenty have been done — to tell you that a little exercise boosts brainpower. According to one study of 210 office workers conducted by Leeds Metropolitan University in England, 65 percent of those who exercised between 45 minutes and an hour scored better on tests evaluating their subsequent mental-interpersonal performance, their ability to manage time and their productivity. Staying glued to your desk actually diminishes your productivity as the day wears on.

Healthier workers. In 2000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, health care costs associated with “physical inactivity” exceeded $76 billion (a chunk of which was paid for through employer health care plans). “If 10% of adults began a regular walking program,” says the CDC, “$5.6 billion in heart disease costs could be saved.” Also: Unhealthy workers miss more work.

Happier workers. Your office may have the spiffiest, high-tech cubicles going, but after spending 9 hours straight in one you might as well be in a concrete cell. Getting out, getting some sun, getting fresh air does wonders for one’s disposition.

So why attack the problem now? It’s National Walk @ Lunch Week.  If you’ve never taken the opportunity to walk over your lunch hour, here’s your chance. Walking isn’t complicated, which is one reason it’s the most popular form of exercise in the country. (96.6 million of us walked for exercise last year, according to the National Sporting Goods Association.) But to get the most out of your 30-minute (or more) walk, it’s good to plan ahead. So, come back next week when:

• Sunday: Tips on how to turn your lunch hour into your hour of power walking.
• Monday: How to make your noon-time walk not just a workout but an adventure!