Workplace food services: Why employees crave value for money

In today's world, where every penny counts, having budget-friendly food and drinks at work is a bigger deal than ever. With the cost of living skyrocketing, employees are really feeling the squeeze. Employers are also on the hunt for smart ways to bring their teams back into the office. The secret ingredient? Tasty, affordable workplace meals.

A recent Eurest survey showed that 77% of employees would be more likely to return to the office if free food or drinks were offered. So, let’s explore why offering value-for-money workplace food services could be a huge win for you, your people and your business.

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The rising appetite for affordable workplace food services

With the economy tightening its grip, every penny spent is scrutinised more than ever. Inflation has crept into our daily lives, pushing many employees to cut back on non-essential expenses, including meals at work. Employers are feeling the pinch too, struggling to lure their teams back to the office. But here's a tasty solution: affordable or subsidised food and beverage services.

Recent data is quite revealing: 65% of workers would be more inclined to work on-site if they were offered a free lunch, and nearly 1 in 4 would consider returning full-time if meals were provided. By serving up budget-friendly meals, businesses can make the workplace a much more attractive place to be.

 

Perks of pocket-friendly food and beverage services

Happy employees, happy business
Affordable food options are a game-changer for employee satisfaction and retention. A Forbes survey pointed out that 40% of employees would think about leaving their job for one with better benefits – suggesting covering or subsidising meal costs is a strategic move that helps cultivate top talent and enhance loyalty.

Boosted productivity
Good nutrition isn't just about staying healthy - it's closely tied to mental wellbeing and productivity. A Cornell University study found that employees who dine together are more productive, highlighting the perks of communal eating. Offering a subsidised food and beverage service shows employees they're valued, boosting job satisfaction and motivation.

A reason to return
Remote work has its perks, and convincing employees to return to the office can be tough. But affordable meals could be the tipping point, as an ezCater survey found that employer-funded lunches saves workers money and builds goodwill, making them more likely to come back to the office. 

Business benefits
For businesses, providing free or subsidised workplace and office food services is a cost-effective way to sweeten employee benefits. Compared to perks like salary hikes, bonuses or gym memberships, food services are simpler to implement and often more appreciated.

Eurest’s approach to value for money

Service offerings
At Eurest, we're all about making great food affordable without cutting corners on quality. Our mission is to serve up nutritious, budget-friendly meals that keep employees happy and businesses thriving.

Menu design
Our menus are thoughtfully designed to offer a wide range of tasty, nutritious options that appeal to everyone’s palate while staying within budget.

Net Zero goals
We're also committed to reaching Net Zero by 2030, with no compromise on the tastiness or convenience of our food offerings. You can find out more about our transition plan here

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Fuel success with cost-effective workplace dining

Cost-effective workplace food services are a powerful took for boosting employee satisfaction, productivity and retention. It also brings significant benefits to businesses. Eurest is here to help you create a more attractive and productive workplace with our affordable food and beverage services.

Ready to fuel your team? Contact us to discover how Eurest can transform your workplace dining experience.

Further reading