Food and social breaks strengthen job satisfaction and inclusion in companies. This is evident in a new global study, The Power of Socialisation, based on over 30,000 responses from employees in 21 countries, mapping out the importance of socializing and community for well-being in the workplace. In Denmark, 2,000 respondents took part.
The study, conducted by Compass Group in collaboration with Mintel, is one of the largest research studies of its kind, providing insight into employee behavior, attitudes, and expectations for future workplaces, including food offerings – and highlights how the canteen can play a key role in creating an inclusive and social workplace.
The community at the lunch table
The new study emphasizes that relationships and social interaction are essential for employee well-being. The study shows that 71% of respondents consider it important that social areas, such as canteens, are places they want to spend time in.
In fact, 69% of respondents say they try to catch up with colleagues over food and drink at work. For Denmark, the number is even higher, at 75%.
Social relationships are crucial for well-being
Another significant finding from the study is that, at workplaces with canteen or food facilities, 74% of employees have lunch with their colleagues weekly, compared to workplaces without these facilities, where the number drops to 48%.
This figure is interesting because 67% of those who are social with their colleagues report that they are happy to go to work. In contrast, only 42% of those who are not social are happy in their job. Therefore, the canteen plays a central role in employee job satisfaction and well-being.
“When we talk to our clients, we know that investing in a canteen solution often involves more than just the food offering. It’s about creating a meeting point and promoting social relationships, creating an environment where employees can come together over a good meal. As the study also shows, an inviting canteen can indeed be a significant factor in employee well-being.
That’s why a canteen solution is much more than just a meal; how it is designed may vary from client to client. That’s why we always create canteen solutions tailored to each client’s needs, ensuring we provide the greatest possible value,” says Anne Søgaard Hvidt, Head of Business Excellence & Solutions at Compass Group Denmark.
Both planned and spontaneous breaks are important
51% of the Danish respondents also say that the place they take informal breaks to socialize with colleagues is at food and drink facilities such as canteen areas.
A total of 57% of Danish respondents in the study say that the type of events that boost job satisfaction the most are events centered around food and drinks.
Here, the canteen can play a key role by providing a setting where both spontaneous and planned breaks can unfold. This could be in the form of an inspiring lunch menu or small surprises such as special theme days and events.
Lunch breaks that make a difference
It is clear that canteens and social areas can play a crucial role in employee well-being and job satisfaction. By creating spaces where employees can meet, share meals, and strengthen relationships in the workplace, companies can build a stronger sense of community – and ultimately create a more attractive and inclusive workplace.
About the study:
Compass Group’s and Mintel’s The Power of Socialisation 2024 is one of the largest studies of its kind, with 30,000 respondents across 21 countries. In Denmark, 2,000 respondents participated. The study explores attitudes toward food offerings in the workplace, the importance of socialization, and the workplaces of the future.