Boosting company morale: Why regular catered lunches can make a big difference
In today’s fast-paced workplace, employee satisfaction is more critical than ever. A happy, engaged team is not only more productive but also more likely to stick around for the long haul.
One simple and effective way to boost morale? Regularly catered lunches. Whether you make it a weekly Friday tradition or an occasional treat, sharing a meal can have a meaningful impact on your workplace culture.
Why catered lunches are great for morale
- Builds Camaraderie: Eating together encourages employees to step away from their desks, share conversations, and bond with colleagues they might not interact with daily.
- Fosters Appreciation: Providing a free, quality meal shows your team you value their hard work.
- Boosts Productivity: A well-fed team is a happy team – fewer distractions from hunger and more focus on getting things done.
- Promotes Work-Life Balance: Scheduled lunch breaks can help remind employees to take a moment for themselves during the workday.
Tips for planning corporate lunches
1. Create a Regular Schedule
Consider introducing a weekly or bi-weekly lunch on Thursdays or Fridays. This gives employees something to look forward to and marks the end of the week on a positive note.
2. Mix Up the Menu
To keep things interesting, rotate the type of food offered. Alternate between local restaurants, cuisines, or themes – think Italian, Mexican, or even keep it simple, people love subs and sandwiches. Variety keeps the excitement alive and ensures there’s something for everyone.
3. Consider Dietary Needs
Make a point to ask about dietary preferences and restrictions ahead of time. Offering vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and other options ensures no one feels excluded.
4. Involve Your Team in the Process
Let employees vote on catering options or suggest local restaurants. Platforms like Foodja make it easy to order corporate catering from popular spots such as Jersey Mike’s, California Pizza Kitchen, and Rubio’s. By giving your team a say, you ensure they feel included and excited about the meals.
5. Plan for Portion Sizes
Individually packaged meals or well-portioned platters are ideal for keeping everything organized. Some platforms allow you to let your whole team order their own meal but if you don’t use those ensure you order based on your team size and include extra servings for those who may want seconds.
6. Create a Welcoming Space
Whether it’s in the break room, a conference room, or an outdoor area, set up a comfortable space for your team to enjoy their meal together. Small touches like tablecloths, music, or themed décor can make the lunch feel special.
This is an important aspect as you don’t want team members to simply grab their lunch and go back to their desk. Having a set place for everyone to eat will help ensure this does boost morale.
7. Add a Fun Element
Pair lunch with an activity to make it more engaging. You could host a trivia game, a quick brainstorming session, or simply encourage casual conversation over the meal.
8. Combine Lunch with Recognition
Use the lunch as an opportunity to highlight team achievements, celebrate milestones, or give shout-outs to employees for their hard work. This makes lunch even more meaningful.
9. Don’t Overthink the Food
Sometimes, simple is best. Think about the last time you had food at work, you likely weren’t in the mood for a cuisine you had never tried before, instead you are looking for a good meal.
A reliable and crowd-pleasing choice ensures your team enjoys a delicious and stress-free meal. Remember, it’s hard to go wrong with a pizza, a good sandwich or a burrito.
10. Monitor and Adjust
After a few lunches, gather feedback from your team. Are there dishes they’d like to see again? Was the timing convenient? This input will help you tailor future events for even greater success.
