How social connection boosts the power of the lunch hour

Against the backdrop of a growing engagement crisis, organizations are recognizing the value of social interaction to strengthening the bonds between employee and employer. It’s a key factor in our Modern Recipe food brand, which is designed to increase social contact and foster a sense of belonging, delivering benefits that last way beyond lunch.

According to the World Health Organization, around 12bn working days are lost every year to depression and anxiety. To combat this issue, employers are responding by supporting both the physical and mental health of their employees. Food is a big part of that strategy, and not just as fuel for the working day.

From China to Chile, our research shows that employees don’t eat just to gain energy; 35% of respondents cite well-being as their motivation, and 33% say togetherness. Even in hybrid work models, 42% of employees would travel to the workplace more often just to see their colleagues. For organizations looking to improve retention and boost productivity, it’s clear that social contact holds real value. So where exactly does food fit in?

By making delicious, healthy and sustainable food accessible in social spaces all day, our Modern Recipe food brand is helping organizations to deliver on all three.

The magic of Modern Recipe 

Modern Recipe takes a holistic approach to nourishing body, mind and planet. Its globally-inspired, plant-forward menus are packed with flavor and functional ingredients, like wholegrains to support gut health. And by offering elevated all-day dining in welcoming, flexible spaces, it creates the perfect environment for casual catch-ups and planned collaborations.

Modern Recipe’s focus on sustainability is another way it brings meaning to the working day. Its development chefs have a zero-waste mindset that promotes root-to-stem cooking and they also aim for 70% of dishes to be low carbon (defined as under 900g CO2 per meal). With 67% of employees considering sustainability as a company must-have, it’s a food offer that aligns with employee values and also supports employers as they strive for Net Zero.

Socialization has always been key to team building, but today’s employers pay more attention to the work-life balance. After-hours networking has reduced while in-work activity has increased, leading to more team-building experiences, coffee breaks and casual meetings.

By curating spaces and menus together, Modern Recipe can act as a hub for engagement activity. With nutritionists able to advise guests on healthy choices and chefs happy to showcase their creations, there’s always a reason to bring people together. Our culinary ambassadors, like Brooke Williamson in the US, also play a key role in guest engagement by developing seasonal dishes in their signature styles and holding live cooking demonstrations at client sites.