Free lunch – is there anything better? Based on a recent employee engagement survey, over two-thirds of workers say onsite meals would make them happier at their jobs. Catered lunches are becoming a coveted workplace perk, and it’s easy to see why. Sure, the food is nice, but it’s often the experience that has people buzzing. Gathering together over a meal allows coworkers to connect in a relaxed setting away from their desks. There’s something about sharing a bite that brings people together. But the benefits extend beyond improved social bonds. Catered lunches also make a difference in productivity and morale. Employees get back to work faster and avoid the daily drain of deciding where to go for lunch. It’s a simple perk that pays off in spades. We at NYSF are known for our love of Catering, so this article will explore why onsite catering is becoming a must-have offering and how it can lead to higher employee satisfaction.
Benefits of Catered Lunches
Many companies find catered lunches to be an attractive perk since they can offer many benefits. The benefits range from increased employee satisfaction and engagement to improved productivity and health. Implementing a catering program requires an investment but the returns can be well worth it.
Saves time and increases productivity
Catered lunches at the office keep employees on-premises and reduce the disruption of leaving and returning for lunch. They can grab a plate and keep plugging away at their desks, maximizing their productivity during the workday. There’s no time wasted deciding where to go, ordering, waiting for food, or commuting. Employees can quickly refuel onsite and get right back to work. According to a study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), businesses save an average of $1,750 per employee annually by providing catered lunches and keeping workers on-premises.
For example, Let Us Cater offers a wide variety of catering options to choose from, so you can find the perfect lunch for your team. They offer custom menus to accommodate any dietary restrictions. The increased productivity and fewer lunch distractions make catering a smart move.
Promotes collaboration and bonding
Catered lunches give coworkers a chance to sit down together and interact in a relaxed, casual setting away from their high-pressure jobs. Eating lunch together helps strengthen social bonds, leading to improved communication and collaboration – and eventually better productivity. Relationships become less formal as employees share a meal and get to know each other better. There’s time for small talk and personal conversations that don’t happen at a desk. This bonding experience breaks down interdepartmental silos. Mealtime mingling also sparks new work relationships. When colleagues become friends, they become happier, more cooperative teammates.
Shows employees they are valued
Providing free catered meals sends a clear message that management values employees and wants to invest in their satisfaction. It shows thoughtfulness and caring when executives go the extra mile to meet workers’ daily needs. Employees feel seen and appreciated, boosting engagement and loyalty to the company. Perks like catering signal to potential hires that the organization genuinely supports its staff, not just with words but meaningful actions. Current employees are more likely to remain at a company that makes them feel taken care of, reducing turnover. The simple act of offering meals makes employees feel valued.
Boosts morale and energy
Employees consistently rank free meals as one of their favorite perks. Having lunch conveniently provided puts workers in a positive mood and makes the day more enjoyable. The novelty and camaraderie of catered lunches boost morale. Employees return from lunch breaks energized and focused instead of stressed, drained, or sleepy from heavy restaurant meals. Providing balanced, nutritious catered options prevents the post-lunch slump in energy many workers experience. Well-nourished employees tend to be happier and more productive overall. The morale and energy boost that comes with catered lunches is a key reason employers decide to provide the perk.
Encourages healthy eating
Offering catered lunches gives employers control over the food served and enables them to promote healthy eating habits. Caterers can be instructed to prepare balanced meals with lean proteins, whole grains, vegetables, and fruit instead of greasy fast food fare. Employees often make better nutritional choices eating the onsite healthy catered food than they would if left to their own devices. Well-nourished employees have more sustained energy and focus, increasing afternoon productivity. The simple act of providing wholesome catered meals supports employee health, wellness, and performance. It’s a win-win for both workers and the company.
How to Implement Catered Lunches
Rolling out a catered lunch program takes some planning but is worth the effort to gain the benefits. Start by researching caterers with appetizing, nutritious menus at different price points. Get employee input via an office lunch survey to identify favorite cuisines and dietary needs. Launch the program once a week to establish logistics before ramping up the frequency. Set a designated catered lunchtime when meetings are blocked so all staff can participate. Have enough tables, chairs, plates, and utensils available for the full workforce. Promote the program on the office intranet and highlight the nutritional value of the food.
To streamline ordering, use an online system where employees can select their meal options each week. Subsidize costs to make catering affordable as an employee perk. Seek feedback after the first few sessions and switch up the menu based on responses. As the program matures, scale up to two or three catered days per week. Encourage employees to provide suggestions for meals, themes, and special events like team lunches. Foster connections by assigning seating arrangements.
Pay attention to presentation, not just taste. Make sure meals are attractively plated to elevate the experience. Take steps to reduce waste by ordering appropriate quantities and having recycling/compost available. Get creative with family-style meals, build-your-own stations, or even food trucks for an element of fun. A well-run catering program requires logistical planning but delivers outstanding benefits for morale, culture, and productivity.
Overcoming Potential Drawbacks
Serving healthy and affordable catered lunches has potential drawbacks like cost, picky eaters, scheduling, and dietary restrictions. Start small with once-a-week meals and negotiate discounted group deals to keep it affordable. Survey staff to guide menus that satisfy different tastes and preferences. Stagger lunch shifts if needed so work is covered. Accommodate dietary needs by partnering with caterers able to provide gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. Solicit ongoing feedback and make adjustments. The benefits of improved culture and morale outweigh the manageable challenges of providing quality catered meals.
Conclusion
The benefits of catered lunches greatly outweigh the manageable drawbacks. Serving meals is a highly valued perk that leads to happier, healthier, and more productive employees. It demonstrates a meaningful commitment to staff satisfaction that can transform workplace culture for the better.
