Providing free food and drinks in offices is becoming increasingly common, with many businesses finding it boosts office morale in many ways. Freebies can range from simple teas, coffees and biscuits to full meals or after-work drinks.
Cost of Living
The rising cost of living has caused hardship for many, with financial stresses being a sure way to harm morale. By providing free food, you can ease some of the financial burden on families, saving them money. If you have space, you may be able to have a free canteen serving hot and cold meals to your employees. Or an effective alternative is to use an office lunch delivery service such as https://www.crumbsdelivered.co.uk/shop/office-lunch-delivery to provide a tasty and satisfying lunch. Providing meals does not have to be expensive. Bags of croissants, bagels and pain au chocolat can be purchased cheaply from most supermarkets and will make an enjoyable continental breakfast for employees to have as they arrive. Any easing of the financial burden provides greater peace of mind and allows employees to better focus on their work.
Team Spirit
Providing meals and snacks encourages communal eating, which in turn can foster a team spirit. Whether it is a quick chat over tea and biscuits or a regular cocktail hour, encouraging your employees to mingle in a more social setting can increase team spirit. In building these relationships with greater social interaction, your employees will feel more relaxed and happier at work. In turn, this greater team spirit will increase collaboration in their work.
Are There Disadvantages?
As a general rule, there are no disadvantages to providing free food, as a business will earn it back with happier, more productive employees with a greater sense of team spirit and a greater desire to give their all. However, it can go too far if too many perks in the office mean there is no need to go home, which is detrimental to a good work-life balance. Additionally, while free food is a perk that will be enjoyed, it should not come at the expense of good pay and conditions.
