What’s the secret to a happier, more productive workforce in 2024? According to ezCater’s latest Food for Work report, it might just be what’s on the menu.
This year, employees once again ranked free and subsidized meals as a top work perk, continuing a years-long workplace trend that drives business results. Surprisingly, though, the newly published report found that this classic benefit is evolving in interesting ways. Today, businesses are rethinking their approach to employee meals — from focusing on more personalized choices to embracing diverse and local food options.
Understanding these kind of workplace trends is crucial for leaders and decision-makers everywhere. To anticipate how they could impact your workplace, you can download the full Food for Work report. But for now, let’s take a closer look at what’s driving these changes and how the right partner can make all the difference.
Trend #1: Corporate cafeterias are no longer the status quo
Corporate cafeterias have been a staple of workplace dining for decades and were once the standard for feeding large numbers of employees. But in 2024, the traditional cafeteria model is showing its age.
High costs, changing employee preferences, and the logistical challenges that come from fluctuating headcounts have made the traditional cafeteria’s one-size-fits-all solution less effective. The 2024 Food for Work Report supports this finding, revealing that nearly two-thirds of decision-makers are open to leaving cafeterias behind.
Instead, they are turning to new food-for-work models that are more flexible and cost-effective. From curated meal programs to on-demand delivery services, these innovative approaches are redefining workplace dining and setting the stage for the future of food at work.
Trend #2: Stakeholders crave variety
The report, which surveyed decision-makers, food orderers, and employees, found that both staff and workplace leaders are craving greater variety.
Today, employees are more vocal about food preferences, with 37% saying they want access to healthier foods, and 36% requesting more grab-and-go options. The “Support Local” trend has also made it into the workplace, with one-third of employees preferring food options from nearby restaurants.
Meanwhile, workplace experience leaders are getting creative – bringing in new food concepts that turn mealtimes into fun and engaging events. A top choice? Special breakfast services that go beyond coffee and bagels, instead providing a variety of fresh juices, breakfast sandwiches, croissants, and other pastries. Local food trucks, fresh produce spreads, and restaurant pop-ups are also in-demand alternatives to traditional workplace meal options.
Trend #3: Companies want to lift communities with their food spend
Business leaders are also reimagining the impact corporate food spend can have. More than feeding employees, it now also includes making a greater difference to local communities. The 2024 Food for Work Report found that a significant number of companies are prioritizing their spending to support local businesses and underrepresented groups.
The numbers speak for themselves: 53% of food orderers say they prefer working with local businesses rather than national chains, and 27% are required to do so by their companies. In addition, 37% make it a point to order from restaurants owned by members of diverse communities.
This workplace trend could have lasting positive social and economic impacts. By directing food budgets to local establishments, companies can keep money within the community, help small businesses thrive, and foster a sense of connection and responsibility.
How to future-proof workplace food with ezCater
The way companies approach workplace food is changing fast, and moving away from the status quo may seem intimidating. It doesn’t have to be. With the right support, companies small and large can smoothly transition to a workplace food strategy that works.
Here are some tips for getting started, and a peek into how ezCater helps decision-makers embrace the future of workplace meals.
Bring in the locally-sourced meals workers want most
Whether teams are craving something healthy, indulgent, or just a little different, local restaurants can deliver. The variety that owner-operated local restaurants offer is a major reason why a third of employees surveyed say they want these catered meals at work.
Fulfilling those requests can be as simple as ordering sandwiches from a local deli every Friday, for example. To make lunchtimes even more interesting, why not try ordering from a new eatery each time? Employees would appreciate the variety.
Platforms like ezCater make that possible. Instead of spending hours researching nearby restaurants (or hopping from website to website looking for options workers will like), food orderers can effortlessly browse hundreds of menus all in one place: the ezCater marketplace.
Make it easier to serve the variety eaters crave
The more variety, the better. Yet having so many options could feel overwhelming. Fortunately, ezCater’s filters help food ordering professionals quickly find the ideal restaurant match for their team.
Let’s say that a company is planning a special breakfast for a Monday. With ezCater, food orderers can select the “Breakfast” filter to find local vendors serving a morning fare. If they also need to source breakfast for an employee with a gluten allergy, selecting the “Gluten-Free” filter will focus their search further.
Building the order online means professionals can add, remove, or customize items with a few clicks. No need to call restaurants or keep track of back-and-forth emails.
Provide personalized employee meals with Relish
Choosing foods that suit everyone’s tastes and needs can be a frustrating task. But the 2024 Food for Work Report data suggests it might not be needed, as 71% of employees surveyed say they would prefer to choose their own meal.
Relish by ezCater gives both parties what they want. Employees get to select exactly what they want to eat from a rotating list of local restaurants curated by ezCater. Employers can give up the food-ordering duties, yet stay in control by setting a schedule and per-person subsidy. On delivery day, each meal arrives individually packaged and labeled, ready for employees to enjoy.
Modernize your food-for-work strategy in 2024
The trends highlighted in the 2024 Food for Work report show how companies are adapting to meet the changing needs of today’s workforce. By embracing new approaches to workplace dining, companies of all sizes can become more competitive and appealing to top talent.
There’s never been a better time to rethink how you approach food at work, and ezCater is here to help. Download the full report now to get the insights you need to stay ahead of the curve.