Discover flexible, innovative meal programs for today's hybrid workforce.
With 41% of employees in the United States on a hybrid work schedule, changes in work dynamics have affected more than just office environments. One of the many industries affected by a changing work environment is catering, with many businesses rethinking their corporate catering models.
While workplace meals and snacks are not a new perk, their significance has changed. Meals incentivize office attendance and foster connection among hybrid employees. By understanding what hybrid employees are looking for in a corporate catering program, companies can better support hybrid teams while ensuring everyone has a delicious meal.
How Remote Work is Changing Corporate Catering Trends
Offices, once hubs for large events, have adapted to dispersed workforces. In this new era of work environments, corporate catering trends have seen shifts as well, such as:
1. Decreased Demand for Large Office Events
As more employees work from home, offices that once relied on large-scale catering for team building must rethink how they build connections. Many organizations now lean toward smaller gatherings with reduced catering orders or catering for specific items like snacks or drinks.
2. Shift Toward Individual Meal Delivery
Many employees prefer individual meal selections, as they can choose meals that align with their tastes and dietary restrictions. Companies have responded to this shift by offering customized meal kits or individual meal delivery options.
3. Meal Subscription Services
Consistency is vital, especially when it comes to meals, which is why many workplaces have begun to invest in meal subscription models. These services provide regular deliveries of prepackaged meals or meal kits to simplify dining for employees and help create a sense of routine and predictability.
4. Grab-and-Go Options
When employees are in the office, they are likely to prioritize convenience in their meals. Having a grab-and-go selection available allows employees to quickly pick up a meal they can eat at their desk, take to a meeting or even take home with them so they can eat where they are most comfortable.
5. Creative Menu Development
Unique, creative food menus can be a great incentive for employees to come into the office. Offering a one-of-a-kind culinary experience through innovative, diverse menus and gourmet presentations can excite employees and make an in-office lunch an event employees will not want to miss.
6. Smaller Catered Events
While large events are declining, smaller catered events are on the rise. Companies are looking for ways to make smaller events more special through carefully curated catering experiences. Whether it's a team lunch or project milestones, organizations are using catering to make these events more memorable.
The Importance of Corporate Catering for Hybrid Work Environments
Investing in a drop-off meal service or corporate catering services for a dining hall is a strategic business decision. The following are some of the many benefits of investing in catering services for a hybrid workforce:
Boosts Productivity
When employees have access to nutritious lunches, they are less likely to experience the midday slump from skipped meals or unhealthy snacks, leading to an overall boost in productivity. Having meals readily available also reduces the need for employees to leave for lunch, which allows them to return to their tasks more quickly.
Attracts Talent
Unique perks, like a corporate meal program, can give your company an edge in the job market. A structured meal program attracts potential hires by emphasizing work-life balance and employee well-being.
Improves Employee Retention
When employees feel appreciated through acts such as healthy meals and not having to worry about lunch logistics, they are more likely to remain with your company over the long term. High job satisfaction is directly linked to low turnover rates, which can save your organization costs associated with recruiting and training new hires. Creating a positive company culture can also foster a sense of loyalty and belonging, causing more employees to want to stay with your company or recommend others to your company.
Increases Job Satisfaction for Greater ROI
While a corporate meal program is a significant investment, there is a substantial return. Benefits like enhanced productivity and improved employee satisfaction often outweigh the cost of these meal programs. Healthy, happy employees take fewer sick days and are more engaged, resulting in higher output.
Enhances Employee Engagement
Hybrid catering creates a flexible, inclusive dining experience that meets your workforce's diverse needs and preferences. A hybrid catering plan accommodates remote and on-site employees, but also promotes collaboration by creating opportunities for team bonding over a shared meal. Corporate catering for hybrid workforces can also introduce employees to new cuisines, which can boost overall morale and satisfaction.
Adapting Corporate Catering Programs for Hybrid Workforces
Transitioning from a meal program for a full-time in-office team to a hybrid team comes with challenges and opportunities.
Some ways companies can navigate this new territory include:
Embracing Technology
Investing in digital platforms or mobile applications specifically for corporate catering allows companies to manage their meal preferences and schedules seamlessly. For example, you can develop or use an app or software where employees indicate their in-office days and preselect their meal orders.
Flexible Meal Options
Since every office has diverse dietary requirements, companies should offer various meal choices to meet these needs. One way to provide flexibility is by partnering with multiple catering services or local restaurants. You could also give employees the ability to access an online menu where they can choose their meals in advance to ensure everyone has an option that meets their dietary preferences.
Fostering Inclusivity
Food is a great way to help your company create a culture of inclusivity. Ideas include a monthly “Cultural Cuisine Day” where you feature dishes from around the world. Holding this event in a communal dining area encourages conversation and connections and can bridge the gap between remote and in-office workers.
Feedback
As with any program, feedback is essential to understanding your employees' needs and preferences. You can have employees complete surveys every quarter or have focus groups collect insights. An open feedback channel demonstrates your commitment to employee input and enhancing their work experience.
Unite Your Hybrid Workforce With Food For Thought
Are you ready to bring your hybrid workforce together? Whether you have a corporate cafeteria, breakroom or pantry or are looking for drop-off meal options, our diverse menu and flexible hybrid work catering solutions are a great way to entice workers into the office and foster a positive working environment that brings your entire workforce together.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today!
Transform your hybrid work catering experience with Food For Thought.
Sample our menu or explore drop-off meal solutions.
Foster a positive work environment and bring your hybrid workforce together!
FAQ
How Do Companies Budget for Hybrid Catering?
The impact of remote work on corporate catering has affected the budgeting process as well.
While your exact budgeting process will vary based on your company, it will likely follow this format:
Assess in-office attendance patterns to determine how many employees need meals on any given day.
Decide how many meal options to offer and how often you will provide meals.
Identify fixed and variable costs and the average price per meal to create a rough budget estimate.
Allocate a portion of the budget for unexpected expenses.
Review catering expenses against the budget to identify any adjustments needed.
What Are the Most Popular Catering Options for Hybrid Teams?
Since hybrid teams require flexible meal programs, organizations with this structure are more likely to choose the following catering options:
Individual meal boxes
Meal subscriptions
Grab-and-go meals
Snack and beverage boxes
Can You Include Remote Employees in a Corporate Meal Program?
Absolutely! Including remote employees in a corporate meal program is a great way to show them you care and help them stay focused while working from home.
Here are a few ideas for including these workers in your plan:
Employees can use daily or weekly meal allowances to order food from a grocery store or restaurant.
You can make arrangements to send preordered meals from a local restaurant.
You could offer subscriptions to meal delivery services that are tailored to various dietary needs.
What Are the Best Practices for Managing Hybrid Catering Logistics?
Hybrid catering logistics require careful planning and coordination for a seamless culinary experience.
Some ways to ensure you meet your workforce's needs include:
Understand your audience's dietary preferences and restrictions.
Choose a catering partner that can provide high-quality food while meeting dietary requirements.
Coordinate the food delivery for a time when most employees are in the office.
Prepare for potential issues such as delivery delays or dietary changes and have a backup in place.
How Can I Include Sustainable Options in Our Meal Program?
Incorporating sustainable options is a great way to meet your company's environmental goals while catering to many employees' demand for eco-friendly practices.
At Food For Thought, we pride ourselves on prioritizing environmental sustainability, and some of the many sustainable options we offer in our meal programs include:
Locally sourced ingredients
Seasonal menus
Plant-based options
Minimal food waste
Environmentally friendly packaging
Waste management systems
