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Motivation By Mouth: Does Free Food Make For A Happier Workplace?

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Want to create a happier workplace?

Give your employees free food!

That is a conclusion drawn from a new survey of 1200 employees working in companies of 20 employees or more and conducted by Seamless, an online delivery and takeout service in the U.S. and U.K.

Among the survey results are:

  • 60% said that having company-provided food around the office “would make them feel more valued and appreciated;”
  • More than half said that a free lunch “would strongly influence their decision to accept a job offer;”
  • 60% said such free lunches would encourage them to chow down with their colleagues; and
  • One third said that free food at meetings would prompt them to attend optional meetings.

Granted these survey results come from a food service provider (Seamless), these findings do point out that it does not take much to incent and motivate employees. And as surveys such as these do point out that it is often the little things that stimulate interest and help employees feel better about their workplace.

Companies that make an effort to recognize their employees are contributors are ones that typically rate highly on employee engagement surveys. These surveys measure all manner of working conditions from facilities and job tasks to management style and employee empowerment. Bottom line employees who are more engaged – that is, want to come to work and do a good job – are more productive. This very often drives productivity and improved financial results.

So perks like food do matter but they need to be put into context. That is, a command and control environment that stifles initiative and permits only senior executives to make decisions will not encourage worker initiative by offering a free lunch. But a company which does value employee contributions and invests in their development make become a more pleasant place to work when it offers employees perks like flex time, work from home, access to fitness centers in addition to fair compensation and benefits.

Is it likely it is that companies will adopt a free food policy, especially since so many Americans struggle with overeating and obesity? According to the Seamless survey more than half of its survey respondents said the availability of food helped them eat more wisely.

Perhaps. But aside from food perks, it would behoove managers to think about small things they can do to boost employee morale. Incentives and perks have their place but ultimately it is the culture of the organization, supported by people-centric values, that matters more. When bosses encourage their employees to think broadly, ask good questions, find new solutions, recognize their efforts, and reward contributions both fiscally and psychically, then people really want to put out.

These employees know their work matters and that they are recognized for their efforts and contributions. But of course a little bit of free food never hurts.

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