Why Employee Feedback Matters for Workplace Caterers

Workplace catering can significantly influence employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall workplace culture. Studies highlight the value of quality catering programs, linking them to healthier teams, stronger collaboration, and improved retention rates. Here’s what the data reveals:

The Value of Workplace Catering

1. Dietary Health and Productivity
Healthy meals at work encourage employees to make better dietary choices, positively impacting their productivity and well-being. Research shows that structured workplace food programs offering nutritious options lead to long-term health benefits​

Source-Cambridge University Press & Assessment

​

2. Team Bonding and Collaboration
Shared meals strengthen workplace relationships. Studies, such as one on firehouse teams, found that communal eating fosters trust and improves teamwork, leading to better overall performance​

Source-Business News Daily

‍

3. Employee Satisfaction and Retention
Employees see catering as a valuable benefit, with 76% citing it as a money-saver. Employers also find that shared meals enhance onboarding, retention, and team culture​

Source-Zerocater

‍

Typical KPIs for Measuring Catering Success

Operational KPIs

• Food Quality: Regular feedback on taste and presentation.
• Service Speed: Monitoring queue times and efficiency.
• Cost Management: Budget adherence and waste reduction.
• Health & Safety: Meeting hygiene and allergen standards.

Employee-Focused KPIs

• Satisfaction Scores: Tracking survey results and NPS for services.
• Engagement Rates: Measuring participation in meal plans and events.
• Feedback Utilisation: Implementing and acting on employee suggestions.

Sustainability KPIs

• Waste Management: Reducing leftovers and recycling food waste.
• Local Sourcing: Using ethical, seasonal, and local ingredients.

Innovation KPIs

• Menu Diversity: Offering varied, inclusive, and updated options.

Feedback: The Missing Ingredient in Workplace Catering

Employee input is key to improving workplace catering. Regular feedback helps caterers understand preferences, identify issues, and adjust services to meet evolving needs.

Benefits of Feedback:

• Better Options: Tailored menus based on real employee preferences.
• Stronger Engagement: Employees feel valued when their voices are heard.
• Operational Improvements: Identifying inefficiencies or service gaps.

How to Collect Feedback:

• Simple methods like suggestion boxes or surveys can drive big improvements.
• Tools like Ombea help create always-on feedback loops, ensuring transparency and real-time insights for continuous improvement.

Good workplace catering isn’t just about food—it’s about creating a better work environment. When employees feel heard and valued, the results are happier teams and stronger business outcomes.

‍