In today’s talent market, the most skilled employees have more of a choice than ever in regard to where and how they work. Retention rates are suffering at many organizations, as a recent Dice survey explains that 40 percent of workers are ready to switch jobs to attain better pay or a happier work environment. In 2018, 43 percent of employees have reported that they are looking for these better work conditions. HR expert Nate Swanner writes “perks may prove critical,” especially in non-compensation offerings that allow employees to know their contributions are valued.
Increasingly, organizations are turning to lunch catering as a way to communicate care and appreciation to their talent. The 2018 SHRM Employee Benefits read 32 percent of organizations now provide free food and beverages on-site, a 12 percent increase since 2014. Corporate lunch catering in NYC is a benefit both employer and employees can enjoy, paying dividends in employee engagement, satisfaction and retention.
5 Reasons Employees Love Corporate Lunch Catering NYC
1. It Saves Time and Money
From an employee’s perspective, the cost saving benefits of corporate lunch catering in NYC can add up quickly. Assuming the average daily cost of eating out is $20, employees could be pocketing an extra $100 each week. With delivery fees, the cost savings can quickly reach $125 each week, or $6,500 in a year. While catering is not a part of total compensation offerings, these significant cost savings can have a noticeable impact on employee discretionary income.
Employers can also realize cost savings in the form of employee productivity through office catering. Each hour away from the office can be seen as time lost, whether it be to work, collaborate, or to form beneficial relationships with colleagues. Research shows it takes the average worker 23 minutes and 15 seconds to reestablish focus after an interruption, such as leaving to eat at a restaurant or a nearby food truck.
2. It Supports Work-Life Balance
A global survey of millennial professionals found a work to life balance is the top priority for this generation, beating out building wealth and leadership opportunities. “People” and “office culture” came in second as aspects millennial talent want to enjoy within their workplace.
Office catering can support employees of all ages, helping them to develop a healthy balance between professional and personal life. On-site food options translate to time saved by not having to leave the office for lunch. At the same time, shared meals create opportunities for talent to bond with colleagues and create a fun office culture.
3. Catering Supports Wellness
Healthy options for corporate catering in NYC can support employees’ ability to make healthy choices and eat well, which results in improved well being on top of cost savings for an employer. “The proactive approach to… initiatives that support health and wellness has been shown to have positive impacts on employees’ lives and organizations’ bottom lines,” writes SHRM. According to Forbes, providing healthy catering, beverages, and snacks on-demand is among the key trends in workplace wellness for 2018.
Many New Yorkers are health-conscious and active participants in the growing wellness movement. “Healthy restaurants and juice bars seem to be popping up on every corner,” writes GOOP, and “there are ample outdoor places to run and stroll.” There’s no single approach to healthy eating, so the right kind of wellness-centered catering is likely to accommodate a wide range of employee diets, including vegan, gluten-free, kosher and paleo preferences.
4. It Creates a Happier Office Environment
The connection between food and mood is well-known by nutrition experts and other health professionals. “Your brain functions best when it gets only premium fuel,” writes Dr. Eva Selhub on the Harvard Health Blog. “Eating high-quality foods that contain lots of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants nourishes the brain and protects it from oxidative stress.”
Providing wholesome office catering can ensure employees have access to the nutrient-dense food they need to perform well and remain happy at work. Shared meals also provide an opportunity to strengthen team relationships and friendships in the workplace, which in turn, can improve employee engagement and satisfaction.
5. Food Fuels Productivity
Corporate lunch catering in NYC offers an immediate productivity boost by preventing lost time. For each time employees opt to take advantage of complimentary catering, there’s time saved. However, the types of foods included in catering are likely to affect performance. According to Forbes’ Ashley Stahl, “eating too much or consuming the wrong foods during a workday can seriously impair your productivity.” Well-fed employees can leave the office feeling productive and energized thanks to on-site catering options.
Corporate Lunch Catering NYC is an All-Around Win
Everyone benefits when it comes to providing on-site food options for talent. The employer is likely to experience a significant return on investment in employee wellness, engagement, productivity and retention. Employees love convenience, cost-savings, and most importantly, they feel appreciated when they’re fed.
Corporate Essentials is the leading source for NYC corporate lunch catering. We are redefining lunch by helping companies innovate their catering and break room offerings. Our catering experts include award-winning chefs and registered dietitians, who can help NYC-based organizations create menu and catering options their employees will love.
