Five Reasons Your Employee Wellbeing Strategy Should Include a Café

• 16th January 2023

Five Reasons Your Employee Wellbeing Strategy Should Include a Café

A workplace café has a wide range of wellbeing benefits, some of which you may find surprising or even counterintuitive.

Coming out of the pandemic there has been a greater focus on workplace wellbeing, and with many companies still using a flexible hybrid working model it’s important to have an office that is viewed by employees as a place that fosters belonging and collaboration. A café can promote a sense of community within the workplace, providing a space for employees to come together, share ideas, and get to know each other on a personal level.

Expectations are high. Knight Frank recently found that 46% of employees “expect a greater amenities offering from their workplace in the next three years”. But is it worth the investment?

At RTC Derby, employers have had that investment de-risked as the development already has a superb café built on site, available to all tenants. This allows employers to reap the benefits of an onsite café without having to manage the facility.

Below are five reasons that your employee wellbeing strategy should include a café.

1. Boosts Morale and Company Culture

Incorporating a café into your workplace can boost morale and enhance company culture. It shows employees that you value their wellbeing and are willing to invest in their overall happiness and satisfaction. This can lead to increased loyalty and retention, as well as a more positive reputation for your company. A survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management found that employees who felt their company was invested in their wellbeing were more likely to stay with the company and recommend it as a good place to work.

2. Encourages Breaks and Socialization

A café is a natural gathering place where employees can take breaks, socialize, and connect with their colleagues. Research has shown that taking breaks and socializing with co-workers can reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing. Research in the Review of Labour Economics and Industrial Relations found that where employees lacked “social support”, higher wages could not make up for the reduction in job satisfaction.

3. Convenient Access to Healthy Food Options

Rather than relying on fast food or vending machines for lunch, employees can conveniently choose from a variety of fresh, nourishing meals and snacks. According to a study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, employees who had access to healthier food options at work had a reduction in sick days taken. This can also have productivity benefits as employees do not have to leave work to purchase healthy meals.

4. Increases Productivity

It may seem counterintuitive but providing employees with a place to take breaks and relax can actually increase productivity. When employees feel supported and can recharge, they are better able to focus and be more productive when they return to work. By offering a café, you are investing in the long-term success of your employees and your business.

5. Promotes a Sense of Community

According to a study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, employees who have strong social ties with their co-workers are more likely to be satisfied with their job and have a positive attitude towards the company. By creating a café, you are giving employees a place to connect and build relationships with their colleagues.

A café is a valuable addition to any employee wellbeing strategy. It provides convenient access to healthy food options, encourages breaks and socialization, boosts morale and company culture, increases productivity, and promotes a sense of community within the workplace. By investing in a café, you can create a happier and healthier work environment for your employees.