Insights from Hilary Goldby, Business & Industry HR Director
Employee turnover remains one of the biggest challenges facing UK businesses today. With an average turnover rate of 35%, over a third of employees are leaving their roles each year. Our recent research with Mintel on The Power of Socialisation shows a shift in expectations—employees now want more than just a payslip. They’re looking for companies that prioritise their wellbeing, happiness, and sense of belonging.
At Eurest, we’re passionate about creating great experiences - not just for our clients, but for the people who bring our services to life every day. We believe in the power of people and understand that a motivated, engaged team is the foundation of every strong partnership we build.
To dive deeper into the evolving talent landscape, we sat down with Hilary Goldby, HR Director, who has been with us for just over six months. She has a clear vision for building strong, engaged teams and strengthening our partnerships. In our conversation, Hilary shared valuable insights on talent attraction and retention, highlighting that businesses that invest time, resources, and money into their employees are more likely to retain them.
Q: How do you see food and beverage experiences contributing to employee retention in our workplace?
"Honestly, food and drink play a bigger role than people realise. It’s not just about having good coffee or healthy snacks, it’s about creating spaces where people feel comfortable, connected, and like they belong. When we design inviting areas with great food and drinks, we’re giving people a reason to come together, spark conversations, and build relationships. That sense of belonging is huge when it comes to engagement and retention.
Plus, with hybrid work being so common now, having a workplace that feels welcoming and social makes people actually want to spend time there. When employees feel good, physically, socially, and emotionally, they’re more likely to stay loyal to their employer, this is also backed by primary research."
Q: How do you think workplace F&B impacts stress levels and overall morale, particularly during peak work periods?
"Food and mood are very connected, what we eat fuels our brains and keeps us going, especially during stressful busy periods at work. When we provide easy access to nutritious, tasty options and encourage people to step away for a break, it can make a huge difference in how they feel and perform.
Plus, sharing a meal or even just grabbing a coffee with colleagues isn’t just about eating and drinking, it’s about connecting. Those little moments of interaction help build relationships, boost morale, and create a sense of support, which is so important when work gets intense."
Q: Do you see an opportunity for enhanced F&B options to be a competitive advantage in attracting top talent?
"100%! Company culture plays a crucial role in employee decision-making. A social, inclusive, and supportive workplace, combined with quality food and drink options, not only motivates team performance but also serves as a strong incentive. These small touches create a welcoming environment, and when employees feel their well-being is genuinely prioritised, it makes an employer stand out in the best way."
Q: With hybrid working models becoming more common, how can we ensure that our food service offering remains relevant and accessible to all employees?
"It’s all about flexibility. Offering food and drinks that fit around different work schedules or having grab-and-go options makes sure everyone can benefit, no matter when they’re in.
Communication is key too, keeping employees in the loop about what’s available helps them make the most of it. And of course, we’ve got to keep listening. Regular feedback through surveys and trend forecasting helps us tweak our offerings so they stay useful and appealing to everyone."
Get in touch
At Eurest, we know that food isn’t just about fuelling up, it’s about bringing people together. A happy, well-fed team is the heart of a thriving workplace, and we’re here to make that happen.
With 50 years of experience, we’ve learned that great food and welcoming spaces create a real sense of belonging, boost engagement, and support well-being. We work closely with our partners to craft food and beverage experiences that make employees feel valued, connected, and excited to come to work. Because when people feel good, businesses thrive.
If you're ready to enhance your employee value proposition, let’s start the conversation. Call our Partnership Manager on 0121 457 5207 or email saleslead@compass-group.co.uk.
