Understanding Eating Moments

  • Food

  • Published on Jul. 15, 2025

Workplace dining has evolved beyond basic food service to become a critical driver of employee satisfaction, retention, and productivity.

Our report ‘Understanding Eating Moments: how flexible food services boost workforce retention’ presents the results of research conducted by Sodexo in partnership with Ipsos which has revealed how strategic workplace dining can transform organizational culture and performance.

Service partners like Sodexo can help organizations to seize this opportunity to transform routine meals into meaningful moments that energize employees and strengthen workplace culture.

Let’s explore the global takeaways:

Four critical Eating Moments

The research identified four distinct eating moments that define the modern workday:

1. The Routine Morning Boost

Quick, energizing breakfast moments that set the tone for productivity

3. Informal Lunch Together

Social dining experiences that foster collaboration and team building

2. My Healthy Meal

Nutrition-focused dining that supports employee wellness goals

4. Nomadic Discovery

Convenient, exploratory dining for busy schedules

Understanding Eating Moments: how flexible food services boost workforce retention

Our research analyzed over 7,000 eating moments from 3,849 employees across the United States, United Kingdom and France. Discover the key moments throughout the day which could boost the productivity, engagement and satisfaction of employees like yours around the globe!

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Employee expectations

Our research revealed key priorities for employees when it comes to food throughout their workday:

 

  • Fresh ingredients are the top priority for health-conscious employees
  • Value for money remains crucial (44% of employees seek this in healthy meal options)
  • Convenience and efficiency are essential for time-pressed workers
  • Social connection through shared meals is increasingly valued

The solution: Flexible food services

Our research demonstrates that workplace dining is no longer a minor employee benefit but a strategic tool for organizational success. Workplace food services directly influence employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention and flexible on-site dining options can serve as a competitive advantage in attracting top talent.

Recommendations

  • Implement intentionally flexible food services that adapt to varied employee daily needs and schedules including grab and go options.
  • Prioritize health and sustainability with fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients, menus with cater to diverse dietary preferences and restrictions and a balanced approach to indulgence and nutritional value.
  • Encourage connection and collaboration with dining spaces that encourage colleague interaction as well as relaxation and productivity with value-driven pricing for group meals.
    Simplify your workplace dining experience with a people-first approach that places your employees' unique eating moments at the heart of what you do in partnership with Sodexo.

Key figures

of employees state that they have at least one dietary habit or preference

76%

‘Fresh Ingredients’ is the #1 association with healthy food.

#1

of corporate employees said they value eating as a social activity

33%

of people say seeing their colleagues motivates them to come to the office more

42%

of Routine Morning Boost respondents take this eating moment from their desk or workstation whilst working from an office.

69%

of Informal Lunch Together respondents are looking to relax and disconnect

48%