Two people sitting at a table enjoying plates of fresh salad and bread in a restaurant setting.

Unlock What Employees Need Most in Workplace Food Services

Meet employee needs with flexible, employee-centric dining. This report reveals how the right food in the workplace promotes productivity, well-being and retention.

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  • 3,849 

    Surveyed

  • 7,000+

    Meals

  • 4 

    Moments

  • Bowl of granola with nuts and blueberries next to a jar of mixed fruit and a glass of milk on a rustic cloth.

    16%

    Of Americans prioritize morning meals

  • Person eating cereal from a bowl while sitting at a desk with an open laptop in a home office setting.

    63%

    Of those who eat breakfast take it from their desks

  • People clinking glasses of dark beverages around a wooden table with bowls of food in a bright indoor setting.

    48%

    Of those who grab lunch together want to relax

  • Person holding a coffee cup and a pink-frosted donut while standing near large windows in a bright indoor space.

    33%

    Of those who take off-site food to-go desire discovery

    Use our report’s insights to shape workplace food services that meet real employee needs. Find simple, flexible ways to support team connection, well-being and productivity all year long — right where work happens. 

    Eating Moments at a Glance

    • Routine Morning Boost

      People want quick, dependable morning fuel that helps them get focused fast — something easy to grab, easy to trust and built for a strong start. 
      Assorted breakfast spread with fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, pastries, croissants, and drinks including juice and coffee.

    • My Healthy Meal

      Employees want flavorful meals that support their well-being. Fresh, balanced options help them recharge, stay sharp and meet their health goals.
      Person eating a salad at a table with a coffee cup and notebook in a casual indoor setting.

    • Informal Lunch Together

      Employees look for midday dining that offers generous portions, fair value and eating spaces that foster connection, collaboration and belonging.
      Three people standing around a counter holding bowls and cups, engaged in conversation in a bright indoor setting.

    • Nomadic Discovery

      For employees on the move, food needs to be fast, fresh and satisfying.
      Person sitting at a table holding a smartphone and eating a salad, with a laptop and coffee cup nearby.

    Insights You Can Implement Now

    Backed by 7,000+ analyzed eating moments across three countries, this report gives leaders actionable, credible guidance to design workplace food services that flex with employees’ needs and fuel performance.

    Download now
    Two people sitting at a table with plates of salad and bread, holding utensils, with a phone placed nearby.
    • Cup of hot beverage with steam and a croissant icon.

      Routine Morning Boost

      Quick, energizing bites help employees start strong. Offer protein-packed grab-and-go and caffeinated beverages to keep energy and spirits high.

    • Bowl of salad with leafy greens icon.

      My Healthy Meal

      Mealtimes fuel productivity. Offer flavorful, plant-forward and sustainably sourced food in the workplace to keep employees moving and feeling their best. 

    • Icon showing four people sitting around a table, representing a group meeting or shared meal.

      Informal Lunch Together

      Shared meals foster belonging and teamwork. Encourage employees to recharge and return to work ready with comfortable spaces and flavorful meals.

    • Cluster of eight irregular oval shapes arranged in a scattered pattern.

      Nomadic Discovery 

      On-the-go moments are about convenience, flavor and reward. Curated takeaway options give employees variety and energy, wherever their day takes them. 

    Frequently Asked Questions

     

    Harness the power of great food


    There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to great food in the workplace — it fuels connection, productivity and satisfaction.


    From energizing breakfasts to social lunches and quick, on-the-go snacks, this study reveals key opportunities to level-up your workplace food services and keep your people happy and productive. 


    Sodexo brochure “Understanding Eating Moments” with pages on morning routines and healthy meals.

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