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July 2022 - Food

Free or subsidised food and drink could help entice workers back to the office: A survey of workers in the UK has revealed that employers seeking to encourage their staff back to the office, might have some success if they offered free or subsidised food and drink.

'Free food and dtink vending' came top of the list when respondents were asked about incentives to tempt them back to the workplace, with more than three-quarters saying it would entice them (77%)

The survey by Eurest, polled 1,000 business and industry workers, also finding that free tea, coffee and snacks were highly sought (76%), followed by an onsite restaurant which could offer them free food and drink (71%).

The research also found that more than half of the respondents polled who worked for a company that did not offer a workplace canteen or restaurant, would be tempted back to the office if their company did (52%), while 73% of those who work for an employer that does have a restaurant would speak highly of their employer to others. This compares to 64% who work for a company that does not.

Working at the office

When asked about how effectively they work, eight in 10 respondents said that they work more effectively when they spend time in the workplace, while 68% said they miss the social interaction that the office brings.

However, 80% also said that they love working from home at least occasionally, with more than three-quarters saying they do not want to give up home working.

Morag Freathy, Managing Director (B&I) of Compass Group UK & Ireland, said: "The prospect of subsidised or free food in the workplace restaurant is a significant attraction for employees. And that’s not surprising when you consider that rising energy costs and rising inflation are squeezing home budgets in what are difficult times for so many."

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