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?