The changing face of collaboration: Why incentives like subsidised food can encourage workplace attendance
The world of work has dramatically changed in recent years – from busy, packed offices with non-existent lunch breaks to an increased awareness of mental and physical health and greater flexibility and autonomy with hybrid working policies.
This shift has introduced many people to the benefits of home-working, making it increasingly difficult for them to switch back to office working. With this in mind, could perks like workplace catering encourage employees to come back into the office?
The challenges of enforcing in-office attendance
Pre-pandemic, office working was associated with increased stress, workload and long commute times, however a 2023 study by the ADP Research Institute found that 82% of UK employees who now have flexible work arrangements report feeling satisfied with their jobs.
While this increase in employee satisfaction is encouraging, more workplaces are changing their policies to get employees back into offices. A survey from Resume Builder found that half of companies are shifting to having employees in the office four to five days a week, and one in four companies plan to increase in-office days in 2025.
While many employees are embracing hybrid working policies, it’s not always an easy transition when you’ve worked from the comfort of your own home for years.
The importance of workplace wellbeing
Research from Compass Group and Mintel revealed that UK office-based workers are taking less than 33 minutes per day for their main lunch break, if they have one at all, reducing opportunities to rest, recharge and socialise with colleagues. However, providing office catering and encouraging employees to take their lunch break can lead to greater workplace wellbeing, resulting in increased productivity, greater employee satisfaction and a more positive workplace environment.
Collaboration – over meetings, lunch breaks or a coffee – is a key part of employee wellbeing and satisfaction; being together in person enables greater connection and collaboration. Workplace food services play a central role in this, as a lot of work break-out time is fueled by shared snacks, lunches or drinks.
Incentives for in-office attendance
Perks and incentives can greatly encourage employees back into offices while improving both physical and mental wellbeing. Healthy, delicious food can be an enticing incentive, as it encourages more time to collaborate and connect with others.
A Eurest survey revealed that 71% of UK Gen Z believe an on-site staff restaurant signifies employer care, influencing 65% in their choice of joining a company. Additionally, 70% believe in-house food services show that a company cares about its people and the rising cost of living. In-house office catering offers healthy food options and takes the burden of cooking off employees, making it a great way for companies to show that they’re serious about workplace wellbeing.
Another incentive is the exciting range of meals on offer; in-house catering from Eurest includes regular brand collaborations, new product tastings and meals crafted with chef expertise - all perks that aren’t available at home!
Rethinking collaboration: how Eurest can help
As the world of work continues to change, it’s important for employers to change with it. At Eurest, we’re committed to fueling workplaces with exceptional, high-quality food that encourages employees to come into the office while ensuring that they’re able to perform at their best when they’re there.
The future of the workplace lies in creating supportive environments that value employee wellbeing over rigid attendance policies. Perks like nutritious, delicious, planet-friendly office catering make employees feel valued and, in turn, make them value the workplace more. It’s a win-win.
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