Lunchtime isn't what it used to be. People are increasingly working through their lunch breaks, grabbing whatever food they can and munching absent-mindedly as they rush to finish their tasks. Even when people do leave their desks to go and eat something in peace, they don't always go back to work feeling as refreshed as they should.
As an employer, lunch breaks are your opportunity to lift the spirits of your workforce and boost productivity. And a great way to do this is to provide a catered lunch every Monday. Here are some of the ways it can be beneficial.
Sick days will reduce
The most common day of the week for people to phone in sick is Monday, which is hardly surprising. Everyone dreads going back to work after a weekend off, and although many sick days are for genuine reasons, there are bound to be a few that aren't.
Giving your staff a nice catered lunch on Mondays makes work more appealing and increases the chance of everyone showing up each week.
Morale will be higher
It's no secret that employee morale is one of the key aspects of your business's success. There are lots of ways you can give people a lift, but a free lunch once a week really makes them feel appreciated.
Afternoon performance will be better
A lot of people feel a bit of a slump after lunch, with energy levels dropping and concentration becoming difficult. It's often even worse on Mondays, when people are struggling to get back into work mode.
A catered lunch helps prevent this in two ways. First, your staff will be eating more nutritious food, without the junk that people sometimes grab for lunch, so energy levels are more stable. And secondly, with morale high, a good mood will keep people working hard.
Team bonds will strengthen
With so many people rushing through lunch and eating at their desks, staff don't socialise the way they used to. Taking a bit of time to share some good food helps encourage people to get to know one another, which means better teamwork.
It will be easier to find the best talent
Delicious catered Monday lunches are a huge perk, and that helps immensely when you're recruiting new employees. Alongside any other benefits you provide, it can attract more highly-qualified people and make your business an even more appealing place to work. And, once you get them, they're more likely to stay with you.