Study finds employees want more workplace social opportunities

New data released today from corporate food solutions provider ezCater revealed that 68% of employees said they’d prefer socializing with coworkers during their workday, rather than off the clock. The finding is one of several from a survey that sought to uncover how and when employees want to engage with their colleagues and their unfiltered thoughts on post-work events.

According to ezCater’s survey, 81% of employees wish their workplace offered more bonding activities during work hours and the most desired time to socialize with coworkers was lunchtime, selected by 32% of respondents. Apparently, with the return of workplace/home commutes, after-hours work events aren’t especially popular as 31% of respondents said they were concerned about losing time they want to spend with family, friends or recharging alone. By contrast, a catered lunch during the workday gives employees an opportunity to bond and can be a way to earn their commute, the findings suggest.

"We're observing a major shift in workplace culture," remarks ezCater Chief Revenue Officer Diane Swint. "The takeaway for employers is to invest in team lunches rather than off-site events after work. Not only is it an inclusive way to bring employees together during work hours and create a sense of excitement, it’s also a great way to encourage collaboration. It's a win-win for everyone."

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Other key findings from the survey include…

Employees feel obligated, not excited, to attend workplace events outside of work hours. Organizations encouraging employee attendance at events outside of traditional work hours may be putting unwanted pressure on employees. Over half of workers (64%) have felt obligated to participate in work events outside the office that they didn’t want to join, and 51% of respondents have lied to skip an after-hour work event or snuck out altogether.

Lunch in the office is a morale boost. Overwhelmingly, free lunch and time to eat with coworkers was the activity employees wished their workplace offered the most during working hours (87%). Less than half of respondents opted for other activities during work, specifically cooking and cocktail demonstrations (41%), workouts (39%), art projects (36%), and guest speaker series (33%). The survey data also shows employees believe catered meals, daily (46%) or weekly (35%), motivate them to be productive during the summer compared to after-work events.

“Lunch-citement” is a trend in the office. Nearly all workers (94%) feel excited if they know their office provides catered lunch. In fact, employees get so excited that nearly all of them scope out the menu at least one day in advance (92%) when their workplace provides meals. Saving money (63%), the variety of food for lunch (61%) and how lunch gives workers a real break during their workday (59%) contribute to employees’ feelings of excitement over free lunch.

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