How Company Lunch Programmes are Breaking Down Barriers and Promoting Diversity
Business leaders are implementing diversity, equity and inclusion efforts to better serve their changing workforces. Company lunch programmes are part of that effort and help industry leaders support their growing teams. Understanding how shared lunches foster more diversity and change professional cultures could inspire you to participate in one at your workplace.
1. Fun Lunches Change Workplace Environments
People start their workdays expecting to focus on their responsibilities. They know who they’ll interact with and which parts of their routine are most stressful. Experts estimate that 875,000 workers in the U.K. lived with more anxiety, depression or stress because of their intense work environments between 2022 and 2023.
If more management teams started company lunch programmes, team members might feel better on the job. It’s something to look forward to in the day and offers employees a chance to take a break while bonding with their co-workers. You can mention it to your supervisor if your workplace culture needs more positivity.
2. Everyone Could Eat Healthier at Work
One of the many benefits of company lunch programmes is gaining access to healthier foods. People might skip lunches or bring food from home that isn’t healthy because they don’t have time to make meals every day. Of the respondents to a 2022 survey, 65% would adjust their work attendance for free company lunches. This means these programmes could reduce how often your team members request time off, leaving everyone scrambling to make up their work.
Instead of eating leftovers from yesterday’s pizza delivery, scheduled company lunches might provide Mexican-inspired salads topped with avocado. The healthy fats in each bite may improve potential drainage problems within the lymphatic systems while strengthening hair, skin and nails. The health benefits of whole-food meals delivered to the office may encourage people to show up for shifts and enhance their health long-term.
3. Employees With Special Diets Feel Seen
Many people have specialised diets for various reasons. They might choose specific foods due to their religious beliefs, health concerns or ethical values. Professional lunch programmes that provide multiple options show that everyone is welcome in the workplace. Your supervisors will demonstrate their care for each individual by giving everyone delicious food that aligns with their diverse dietary needs.
4. Teams Might Appreciate Other Cultures Through Food
You likely have a few favourite venues in mind when you want to eat at a restaurant. Trying a new cuisine is slightly riskier than ordering something you’ve loved for a long time. If you don’t like what you get, that’s a waste of time and money. Company lunch programmes present laid-back opportunities to try different culinary cuisines, especially if your employer pays for everything.
Someone who hasn’t tried Mediterranean food before might sample a free chickpea salad and discover that they love it. Eating more plants may also improve their nervous system functionality, leading to extra peace of mind during high-stress days at work. If your employer starts a diversity-focused lunch programme, you could explore different cultures, improve your health and feel better in the workplace.
5. Company Leaders Can Order From Diverse Restaurants
The actions company leaders take say more about the brand than a mission statement. Anyone can pledge to improve diversity in the workplace, but those words won’t mean anything if it doesn’t turn into continual, actionable change. Lunch programmes are a creative way to do that. Ordering from locally owned restaurants with global cuisines supports business owners of different backgrounds. Any diversity efforts taken within and outside the workplace break down barriers more effectively than a promise.
6. Friendships Form Over Food
People sometimes feel awkward when trying to start a conversation with someone they perceive as different. Nervousness might make you feel like there’s nothing to discuss, but your company-provided lunch could be the icebreaker. Use it to start a conversation about diversity and inclusion with co-workers you haven’t bonded with yet. You may form incredible friendships that make your work life more rewarding.
Embrace the Benefits of Company Lunch Programmes
Diversity and inclusion efforts become easier when industry leaders start professional lunch programmes. Companies can support locally owned restaurants showcasing cuisines from various cultures and foster better work environments by supporting what makes everyone different. If your team advocates for a monthly meal together, you can experience the perks of company lunches.
_
Beth, the Managing Editor and content manager at Body+Mind, is well-respected in the mental health, nutrition and fitness spaces. In her spare time, Beth enjoys cooking and going for runs with her dog.
