According to the latest U.S. census data, American society is more diverse than ever — be it in terms of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender expression, and more. That’s a trend you’ve probably noticed all around you on college campuses, and in the office.

Organizations are paying attention, too, and adopting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives  to mirror those trends. It’s great news. Creating a more welcoming environment benefits everyone. 

So how does food factor into all this? It’s simple. Sharing a meal has the power to break down barriers, build bridges, and foster community — especially in cross-cultural workplaces. Using food as a building block of your company’s DEI program could be your recipe for business success.

Why add diverse and inclusive foods to the menu?

Chances are, your organization has embraced diverse hiring practices, pay equity, and mentorship programs. All those initiatives give employees from underrepresented groups a better chance to thrive. By adopting a diverse and inclusive corporate catering program, you can extend the impact of your DEI beyond hiring and onboarding, in ways that touch all employees. Here’s how.

Foster a safe and welcoming environment

Ordering food from different cultures can foster an inclusive environment, as long as you do it respectfully. As employees savor delicious authentically made foods, they can learn more about their peers’ cultural backgrounds. On top of that, workers who grew up with those foods could feel more comfortable in the workplace, now that they’re being seen and accepted.

Don’t forget employees on special diets. Because they have to avoid certain foods (for health, ethical, or religious reasons), they may be more likely to avoid work lunches and catered parties. Those food-centric events are great for building company culture. But unless you make accommodations, why should they want to go? Entice them by ordering allergen-free and dietary restriction-friendly meals. They’ll feel listened to, included, and valued.

Retain and attract employees

It’s worth going that extra mile to make workers feel appreciated. If they’re happy, they will likely stay with you for longer. In fact, companies with robust DEI programs are 5.4 times more likely to retain top talent. That means those companies can save money on rehiring and retraining costs.

Additionally, companies with high diversity scores attract more talented professionals. Employees, especially Millennials and Gen Z, want to work for organizations that share their values. Advertising your commitment to diversity and inclusion (for example, your cultural food events) can give you an edge over competitors.

Boost creativity

Creativity also gives your organization a boost. It lets you innovate products, efficiently solve problems, and inspire customers with memorable storytelling.

Diverse food at work can help. Exposing them to new ingredients, new flavors, and new ways of cooking broadens their horizons. These may sound like small changes, but they can make a big difference. Psychologists agree, saying that people who seek new experiences tend to be more creative.

Work toward DEI and ESG goals

We’re not the only ones embracing the power of food.

Many forward-thinking companies are also ordering meals from restaurants that are owned by members of underrepresented groups to incorporate into their DEI program. The ezCater Customer Insights team interviewed several and found out why:

• To highlight observance months and holidays
• To represent and celebrate staff diversity
• To broaden employees’ horizons and awareness
• To shine a light on local diverse businesses

Many of those points overlap nicely with popular Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. If your organization needs a little boost to hit yearly targets, ordering diverse food is the most delicious way to go.

How to offer diverse food options in the workplace

It’s clear that serving diverse foods in the workplace is a smart business move, but it can feel overwhelming. Let these six actionable steps guide you.

1. Survey employees

Start by conducting a survey. What kinds of global cuisines would employees want to try first? What food allergies will you need to accommodate? And what dietary restrictions should you keep in mind? As soon as you know the answers to your questions, you can start thinking about your first order.

2. Start with a diversity spotlight day

You don’t need to go all out and serve different global foods every day. Instead, dedicate a few days each year to a specific cuisine. This is where answers from that survey will be useful. Give yourself time to do research and pick out a menu everyone will enjoy.

3. Accommodate food allergies and dietary restrictions

An inclusive workplace provides allergen-free and restriction-friendly meals. To make sure everyone feels welcomed, offer comparable options. For example, if you’re celebrating Middle Eastern cuisine with lamb shawarma, order falafels for vegetarian employees. Or opt for gluten-free beers if you’re celebrating Oktoberfest with celiac employees.

4. Turn to an experienced catering partner

Accommodating so many different dietary needs can be challenging, so it’s best to work with restaurants and caterers who understand food allergies, sensitivities, and dietary preferences and restrictions.

ezCater could be the partner you need. We’ve been helping companies source healthy and safe meals for over a decade. Our food allergy and dietary restriction smart filters make inclusive lunches possible.

We’re also committed to building a marketplace that reflects the diversity of our community, customers, and catering partners. Now, when looking for food on ezCater, you can use our “Diversity of Ownership” filter to find great restaurants owned by a member of an underrepresented groups. For example, if you’re celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander Month in May, you can tick off the “AAPI-owned business” filter box to help small businesses thrive. You can also use our “Business Size” filter to support small businesses in your area.

5. Embrace diverse holidays

Holidays and observed months are the perfect opportunity to explore a new cuisine. For instance, you could order from a Latin-owned restaurant for Hispanic Heritage Month. Or throw an inclusive holiday party at the end of the year. Or even switch things up by placing an order with an LGBTQ+ caterer for Pride Month in June. There are so many possibilities.

6. Listen to feedback

Ask employees for feedback after each diverse dining session. What worked well? What aspects could be improved? Ask for suggestions of new cuisines to try, too. This will make the food orderer’s life easier, as well as encourage employees to see DEI programs as something they can shape. It will make them feel happier, more fulfilled, and valued.

Variety and diversity are the spice of work life

Diverse food options are a modern recipe for success. Do it right, and you’ll unlock creativity, employee satisfaction, and engagement. Learn how ezCater’s corporate solutions can help you create a more inclusive and empowering workplace, one meal at a time.