The Resurgence of Workplace Catering: A New Approach to Office Culture
As companies across the United States grapple with the shift back to in-office work, many are rethinking their strategies for encouraging employees to return. While some organizations have implemented strict return-to-office (RTO) policies, others are taking a more nuanced approach by focusing on employee well-being and engagement. One such strategy that is gaining traction is the revival of workplace catering as a key perk.
Why Companies Are Focusing on Food
A growing number of business leaders believe that offering meals at work can significantly boost office attendance. According to research from EzCater, a corporate catering company that connects businesses with thousands of restaurants nationwide, 88% of business leaders say that a corporate meal program can increase in-office presence. For example, SeatGeek, a New York-based ticketing platform, saw a fivefold increase in office attendance after introducing food services.
The benefits go beyond just getting people into the office. Employees appreciate the convenience of having meals provided during the workday, saving them time that would otherwise be spent on food preparation or delivery. Additionally, companies that offer meal programs often see better retention rates, with over three-quarters reporting higher employee loyalty.
Robert Kaskel, vice president of people at EzCater, emphasized that providing in-house dining options not only improves productivity but also fosters a sense of community. “It drives deeper levels of productivity, higher levels of retention, and a deeper willingness to come into the office—where good things happen, like collaboration and innovation,” he said.
EzCater itself has embraced this philosophy, incorporating values such as “no jerks” and “grow fast and eat cupcakes” into its culture. The company also offers additional perks, including fertility benefits through Carrot and mental health support via Modern Health, reinforcing the idea that employee well-being is central to success.
Expanding the Concept Beyond Traditional Catering
Other companies are also exploring innovative ways to bring food into the workplace. Felfel, a provider of smart fridges in office settings, is one such example. While its service is often used as a convenience for employees who pay for the food themselves, some employers choose to subsidize the cost. Dave Phillips, U.S. boss at Felfel, highlighted that these systems can create a sense of collaboration among employees.
“It’s not just about the food; it’s about creating those moments that turn colleagues into teams and offices into communities,” he said. This sentiment aligns with the broader goal of fostering a strong workplace culture, which many RTO advocates, such as JPMorgan’s Jamie Dimon and Amazon’s Andy Jassy, are trying to achieve through policy changes.
A Long-Standing Tradition with New Relevance
The idea of providing meals at work is not new. From the traditional office canteen to the lavish chef-cooked meals offered by dot-com firms in the early 2000s, workplace food has long been a part of corporate culture. Today, this concept is being reimagined in response to changing workforce expectations.
With Gen-Z entering the workforce, there is a noticeable shift in what employees value. Research from Resume.io suggests that younger workers are less focused on traditional perks like health care and flexible working hours. Instead, they are seeking benefits that enhance their in-office experience, such as paid overtime, paid sick leave, and even four-day work weeks.
The Role of Workplace Catering in Modern Workplaces
Workplace catering fits perfectly into this evolving landscape. By eliminating the need for employees to plan their meals, it allows them to focus more on their tasks. For companies looking to attract and retain talent, offering food services can be a powerful tool.
As the post-pandemic workplace continues to evolve, the role of food in building community and enhancing productivity is becoming increasingly clear. Whether through traditional catering, smart fridges, or other creative solutions, the resurgence of workplace meals is proving to be more than just a convenience—it’s a strategic move toward a more engaged and collaborative workforce.
