Importance of Workplace Food Services & Employee Productivity

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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.

Download now

Surveyed
Meals
Moments

16%
Of Americans prioritize morning meals
63%
Of those who eat breakfast take it from their desks
48%
Of those who grab lunch together want to relax

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33%
Of those who take off-site food to-go desire discovery

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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.
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.
Informal Lunch Together
Employees look for midday dining that offers generous portions, fair value and eating spaces that foster connection, collaboration and belonging.
Nomadic Discovery
For employees on the move, food needs to be fast, fresh and satisfying.

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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.

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

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This report highlights four main moments:
Routine Morning Boost – Quick breakfast or coffee.
My Healthy Meal – Nutritious lunch or dinner.
Informal Lunch Together – Midday meal with colleagues.
Nomadic Discovery – On-the-go meals for busy schedules.
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Employees increasingly expect:
Health-conscious, plant-forward meals
Convenience with grab-and-go and mobile ordering
Value for money
Sustainability, including local sourcing and eco-friendly packaging
Meeting these expectations strengthens workplace culture and performance.
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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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Unlock What Employees Need Most in Workplace Food Services

16%

63%

48%

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33%

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Eating Moments at a Glance

Routine Morning Boost

My Healthy Meal

Informal Lunch Together

Nomadic Discovery

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Insights You Can Implement Now

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Routine Morning Boost

My Healthy Meal

Informal Lunch Together

Nomadic Discovery

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are “Eating Moments” and why do they matter in the workplace?

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How does food in the workplace impact employee morale and retention?

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What are the key eating moments employees experience during the day?

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Why is flexibility in workplace food services so important?

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How does workplace food influence productivity and collaboration?

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What trends are shaping workplace food services today?

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How can employers implement employee-centric workplace food services?

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Harness the power of great food

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Read our latest stories

Corporate Responsibility

Campus

Campus

Healthcare

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48%

33%

Eating Moments at a Glance

Routine Morning Boost

My Healthy Meal

Informal Lunch Together

Nomadic Discovery

Insights You Can Implement Now

Routine Morning Boost

My Healthy Meal

Informal Lunch Together

Nomadic Discovery

What are “Eating Moments” and why do they matter in the workplace?

How does food in the workplace impact employee morale and retention?

What are the key eating moments employees experience during the day?

Why is flexibility in workplace food services so important?

How does workplace food influence productivity and collaboration?

What trends are shaping workplace food services today?

How can employers implement employee-centric workplace food services?

Harness the power of great food

Read our latest stories

Corporate Responsibility

Campus

Campus

Healthcare