5 Ways Food Can Improve Efficiency at Work

When we think about workplace efficiency, we all too often skip over one of the most important facets: food. Food has the incredible power to unite people into a team, boost overall morale, increase motivation levels and of course, improve productivity!

Giving a little gets you a lot in this scenario, as supplied food in the office (whether it’s a stocked office pantry or staff lunch) results in a spike in productivity and efficiency, according to Victoria Health. So, if you’re looking for an inexpensive yet effective team building activity, then look no further than a good company meal, whether that be a simple sit down meal that is supplied or a fun and exciting team building cooking challenge like a Mystery Box Challenge.

What’s so good about supplying food? Let us break it down for you.

1. Increased productivity

Food is undoubtedly linked to our cognitive function. Without enough of the right foods, people begin to lose concentration, memory function and fall into fatigue. A simple solution to this problem would to be provide something tasty for your team. Whether it’s healthy snacks or a monthly catered lunch, there are endless options for supplying good, nutritious food to your staff, that will make all the difference to efficiency.

Providing a breakfast, whether it’s daily, weekly or just once a month, can incite huge changes in performance levels. It’s the most important meal of the day and over half of Australians are skipping it. The Dietitians Association of Australia says eating a balanced breakfast improves alertness, concentration and mental performance. Provide your employees with what many deny themselves and see for yourself the difference a hearty and healthy breakfast can make.

2. Instant connections and collaborations

Nothing brings people together quite like food. Think of the workplace coffee machine as the modern-day water cooler; staff can gather, catch up and even brainstorm over a steamy cup of coffee. Providing a casual space for people to interact and collaborate is essential for workplace connections and positive relationships.

Research shows employees who eat meals together have significantly greater performance rates than their peers who prefer to eat alone or skip lunch altogether. This is because forming those crucial workplace connections are the foundations for positive workplace culture, collaboration and teamwork. The simple act of eating together can elevate your team into a family.

3. A chance to recharge

We all need a break from the working day, but not everyone takes one. It’s proven that breaks increase overall motivation and improve concentration. This is essential to achieve long-term company goals and ultimately benefit your bottom line.

It’s no surprise to anyone that employees love a fresh cup of coffee in the morning or throughout the day, so it’s a good idea to implement a corporate coffee solution. It is an inexpensive and effective way to inspire a moment of recharge and reflection. Instead of taking an extra ten minutes in the morning to grab a coffee on the way to work, or running downstairs for a 3pm caffeine hit, staff will be able to make their own delicious coffee or tea in house. This allows people to instead get on with important tasks and staying focused on their to-do’s.

4. Overall morale booster

Nobody has ever been saddened at the mention of free food. A survey of 1200 employees found 60% of workers would feel more valued and appreciated if they had company provided food. The fact is, happier employees are 12% more productive. Simply providing a working lunch just once a month can be a welcome and happy surprise for employees and encourage efficiency at work.

Being spontaneous with food also offers a huge morale boost. Whether you organise celebratory cupcakes for your staff, or plan a Friday night office drinks every so often, you’ll be surprised at how your working environment suddenly shifts into a place of collaboration, positivity and adaptability.

5. A healthier workforce

It’s simple: a healthier workforce = a happier workforce. A survey by Seamless found that over 50% of the 1200 surveyed employees said having food provided in-house would strengthen healthier eating habits. Providing a foundation for positive routines in the workplace can cause a ripple effect into your employee’s lives; supporting good health and work-life balance.

Having a healthy and balanced diet during the workday can:

• Boost concentration
• Lift mood
• Combat fatigue and help you stay alert
• Improve memory
• Increase overall engagement and morale

Overall, happier and healthier staff get sick less often, resulting in more time spent at work. This study reported over half of their respondents who said they had a happy work environment had not taken a sick day in the last three months. Providing healthy eating options in the workplace will not only encourage beneficial habits for your staff but increase productivity in the long term. Efficient people are well-fed people.

Overall, it’s never a bad idea to provide food for your staff. Whether it’s a dedicated cooking team building event,  corporate catering for working lunches, breakfast, an afternoon tea, or just supplying nibbles in the kitchen, it will make all the difference in your levels of efficiency. Food will always remain an inexpensive yet effective team building technique.

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