8 Smart Benefits of Providing Food for Your Employees

For thousands of years, food has brought people together, giving cultures their identity and providing comfort. In recent times, companies have started feeding their workers, and it’s proving to be beneficial. Here are eight reasons why you should consider providing food for your employees.

Is breakfast really the most important meal of the day? It could be for your office if work starts in the morning. Supplying breakfast can boost your employees’ productivity and cognitive functioning. Natural carbs like fruits and whole grains are great options. These foods are a primary energy source and can kickstart your employees’ day with the right fuel.

In the U.S., about 84% of adults eat breakfast daily, and your office is likely similar. However, some mornings are hectic, and employees might miss a good meal due to personal emergencies or other urgent matters. Having food available at work ensures they get a solid start to the day, no matter what happens at home.

The saying “you are what you eat” is still relevant today. Your food choices affect your gut and brain chemicals, like serotonin, which influences mood. After a nutritious meal, your serotonin levels rise, making you feel happier and more sociable. This can create a more positive workplace atmosphere.

Workplace culture is very important to potential new hires—often as much as salary. During the pandemic, a third of workers who changed jobs took a pay cut for a more satisfying work environment. With remote work becoming more common, providing food can entice people to choose an office job over working from home.

Once you’ve hired new talent, keeping them around is the next challenge. About 81% of business leaders think free food is a great way to ensure employees show up to work. Free snacks and meals can keep your team happy, and 67% of employees with access to free food at work report job satisfaction.

As a leader, whether you’re a boss, parent, or teacher, people look up to you. Providing food for your team shows you care about their well-being, fostering stronger bonds. Offering healthy options, like fruits, nuts, yogurt, and vegetables, promotes a productive diet.

There are several ways to supply food at the office. Maintain a steady stock of healthy snacks, order delivery from restaurants, or arrange for catering services. Supporting local businesses can also create goodwill among your team, especially if someone has a personal connection to those businesses.

Feeding your workers isn’t just a gesture of goodwill; it’s an investment. It saves time and money, as employees who eat at the office return to work faster than those who go out for meals. Financially, providing food could qualify your office for tax deductions under IRS guidelines for business meals.

Food builds happiness and a sense of community. When people are well-nourished, they feel better physically and mentally, giving them the energy to tackle their tasks.