Corporate Lunch Catering Builds Team Morale and Business Performance

Introduction

In today's rapidly changing economic landscape, businesses face numerous challenges that impact operations. Trimming budgets and optimising expenditure is a daily necessity. However, one area that should be carefully considered before making cuts is corporate lunch catering and events. While it may seem like an easy or obvious expense to reduce, the benefits of providing high-quality meals for employees extend far beyond the cost. We would argue, corporate lunch catering remains an essential component of employee engagement, satisfaction, wellbeing and productivity. This blog explores how businesses can navigate economic pressures while still offering high-quality corporate lunch catering, positively contributing to team culture, morale and ultimately, business performance.

Rising Costs and Budget Constraints 

Global inflation, supply chain disruptions, and other global economic factors have led to increased costs for business across the board. At the time of writing, the Reserve Bank of Australia is again considering whether to raise interest rates in response to the recent release of ‘sticky’ inflation figures. Controlling the controllable in the business budget has become even more imperative for business survival. As companies look for ways to save money, it’s essential to prioritise spending in areas that yield significant returns in terms of employee engagement and productivity. But is the corporate catering budget the place to make cuts? Or, are their significant gains to be made by continuing to invest in corporate catering?

Cutting or Enhancing Corporate Lunch Catering – the Risks and Benefits 

1. Impact on Employee Morale and Wellbeing

Catering provided by the company is often seen as a perk. The cutting of such a benefit can lead to decreased job satisfaction. Further, in the current economic climate employees may be facing significant personal financial stress. The provision of corporate lunch catering also positively impacts the household financial position of employees.

Providing meals for staff also demonstrates that the company values them and their wellbeing, leading to higher levels of engagement and loyalty. Further, a positive lunchtime gathering can enhance the overall work environment, making it more enjoyable and motivating for employees.

2. Decreased Collaboration and Team Building

Corporate lunches provide invaluable opportunities for employees to interact informally, fostering stronger relationships and better teamwork. Without these gatherings, employees may miss out on vital interpersonal connections. The old adage about the importance of people breaking bread together is never more relevant! Shared meals contribute to a sense of community and belonging. Removing this chance to gather can weaken company culture and erode a sense of unity within the team.

Corporate lunch catering that invites colleagues to sit together in a relaxed atmosphere where they can interact freely, leads to stronger relationships and improved teamwork. These informal settings can encourage the sharing of ideas and innovative thinking, driving the company forward.

3. Lowered Productivity

We might assume that more time at the desk (and less time in the lunch room) leads to more work. Not necessarily so! Informal discussions over meals often lead to innovative ideas and solutions. Reducing these opportunities can stifle creativity and problem-solving within the organisation. In a time when we need employees to “do more with less”, any opportunity to encourage creativity is worth investing in. 

While the physical benefits of good nutrition have long been understood, researchers are increasingly discovering the links between good nutrition and cognitive health. This includes improved concentration, improved mental health, and reduced stress leading to fewer sick days and higher productivity. Access to healthy, balanced meals during the workday can also boost energy levels and cognitive function, leading to higher productivity. Without this provision, employees may resort to less healthy options that have long term negative impacts on both their health and work performance.

Strategies for Balancing Costs and Benefits of Corporate Lunch Catering

1. Optimising Catering Choices

Talk to your catering service about what you want to achieve by providing catering to your employees.  Good catering services should work with you to provide nutritious, delicious meals that meet your goals for your team and are also cost-effective. If you wish to provide weekly or monthly catering for your team, talk to them about packages they can put together to ensure variety and seasonality.

2. Flexible Catering Models

The last few years have seen significant changes in how people work, from working at home to working at work to a combination of both. For companies who offer their employees hybrid work models, consider how you might care for those employees who are working remote.  Dinner on the Table offers both onsite and remote catering options to ensure everyone feels included.

3. Employee Involvement

Divergent dietary requirements are a given and so regularly seeking feedback from employees on their catering preferences can assist you to adjust offerings accordingly. A good catering service will also be able to adjust menus and offerings to meet the dietary needs of your employees. 

Finally, involve employees in planning corporate lunch catering and events. Explain why you’d like to hold team lunches or events and why you believe it will benefit employees and the company. Being engaged in the planning process will make employees feel valued and ensure the catering meets their needs.

Conclusion

Navigating business challenges in the current marketplace requires strategic decision-making that balances budget with the benefits of employee engagement and productivity. While cutting corporate lunch catering might seem like a good budgeting decision, the long-term risks to employee morale, collaboration, and overall productivity make it a short-sighted solution. Maintaining a thoughtful approach to corporate lunch catering can lead to a more motivated, healthier, and more cohesive team, ultimately benefiting the organisation.

At Dinner on the Table, we understand the importance of balancing quality and cost. Our catering services are designed to provide delicious, nutritious meals that support your team's wellbeing and productivity. We take the hassle out of organising the food, whether you’re supporting your people in the office or at remote workplaces. For more information on how we can help your organisation navigate these challenges, visit our website or contact us today.

We look forward to cooking for you and your team.