A recent study says it all: High-quality catering is a hugely underestimated factor in the battle for skilled workers. Productivity also demonstrably increases
Everyone is probably familiar with the term "work-life balance". But what about "work-food balance"? This expression is comparatively new – and employers in particular would do well to remember it. After all, the latest studies prove that it literally pays off in more ways than one to focus on high-quality catering for your employees.
The term refers to the balanced interplay between everyday working life and a conscious, healthy diet. The aim is to eat meals that strengthen body and mind, even during working hours. A good work-food balance helps to maintain performance, concentration and well-being.
Employees themselves agree. The market research and polling institute YouGov surveyed 1,000 employees who work in buildings on behalf of the multi-service provider and contract caterer Sodexo Germany .
82% have no doubt: Healthy meals support their performance and concentration.
However, recruitment figures are a particular surprise in this context. Around 65% (!) of talent confirms that a company’s catering offer does influence their decision when it comes to changing jobs. On closer inspection, it is obvious why this is the case: - Employees who don't have to do their own shopping, prepare dishes at home or leave the office to buy something outside gain valuable time and are really able to relax during their lunch break.
A good, subsidised or even free catering offer saves daily costs. This can quickly add up, especially with high-quality ingredients such as organic or regional foods. - Meals enjoyed together encourage team dialogue, which is a feel-good factor for Generation Z in particular.
All of this turns a high-quality company canteen into a real competitive advantage.
An attractive, warm lunch is particularly important. Overall, according to those surveyed, it is not so much the choice that is decisive. Rather, they prefer low prices (33%), seasonal products (29%), healthy dishes (23%) and organic quality (14%).
However, their desires and what they get in reality are often far apart. Firstly, only around 33% of those surveyed have a company restaurant at their workplace at all. A further 14% only have snacks available in the company canteen, kiosk or cafeteria.
However, a quarter of Germans are dissatisfied with this culinary offer.
It has been scientifically proven that balanced, high-quality company catering ensures that employees remain productive in the long term. A win-win situation for everyone:
- Nutritious meals promote mental clarity, emotional stability and motivation. According to a study by the American Psychological Association, employees with a healthy diet achieve an average 25% higher work performance.
- Healthy, light foods increase afternoon concentration by 22% – waving goodbye to the mid-afternoon slump.
- Eating a balanced diet protects against chronic diseases such as cardiovascular problems or diabetes.
- A good catering offer conveys appreciation, boosts morale, loyalty and team spirit.
- Investing in healthy eating reduces absenteeism (by around 27% according to a survey byHarvard Business School) and staff turnover
If you want to do something good for your employees when it comes to food, you need cost-effective and customer-orientated solutions for your food logistics processes.
In addition to high-quality equipment, with the BASIC LINE and its corresponding peripheral products, B.PRO offers a modular food serving system that can be flexibly adapted to your company’s spatial conditions and head count. Front cooking elements such as the COOK cooking stationsdeliver the experience factor.
As mentioned above, more than half of those surveyed (51%) consider a hot meal to be a particularly attractive perk. B.PRO also has a solution for this. With the innovative FRESH & GO catering concept, hot takeaway meals can be produced all day long in just nine square metres with just one person – an exciting concept for companies without their own canteen.
The Sodexo study leaves no doubt that today, companies not only score points with salaries or flexible working hours, but also with an environment that promotes well-being. High-quality catering increases employee motivation, health and loyalty. "Those who take these issues seriously will position themselves as an attractive employer in times of a shortage of skilled workers," emphasises Jens Wulf, workplace experience expert at Sodexo.
B.PRO is the ideal partner for implementing modern, efficient catering services on site that strengthen companies and employees in the long term.
Would you like us to assist you? Please feel free to contact our team.
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