A pantry has now become a key feature in modern office space designs. Employers increasingly recognize that providing food can enhance their employees' well-being. According to a survey conducted by Zerocater (2018), there is an evident link between employee happiness and their access to complimentary meals and snacks provided by the company. In the same survey, it was stated that over 50% of the participants collectively agreed that it is vital that they are provided with a free lunch daily. While not all companies have embraced this practice yet, it is evident that this trend is on the rise.
Creating an environment that nourishes the mind and body provides numerous benefits. Below is a list highlighting some of these advantages:
A Sense of Community
A pantry serves as a communal space where colleagues can socialize and strengthen their connections with each other. It allows employees to form relationships beyond their own departments, fostering a sense of belonging within the entire company. Additionally, this is where people may readily get to know their coworkers; for instance, two strangers might strike up a conversation over a shared interest in food or beverage. Overall, this contributes to a positive work culture.
Promote Taking Breaks
It has been discussed numerous times that taking breaks in between work is beneficial to the employees’ general well-being. Having a pantry space in the office can serve as a place for employees to relax and refuel. Access to a pantry allows employees to quickly grab a bite or a drink, offering greater convenience compared to leaving the office.
Improve Overall Well-being
Eating snacks and drinking beverages is a common habit among people experiencing stress or other forms of mental discomfort. In this way, food often serves as a source of comfort. Easy access to a pantry can provide a quick way to refresh the mind and alleviate discomfort, ultimately boosting mental stamina, mood, and productivity.
Taking a break from screens and simply visiting the pantry can significantly enhance their physical and emotional well-being. This simple action not only helps clear their minds but also provides an opportunity to stretch their limbs. Additionally, having a well-designed office space can further support these improvements.
Encourage Healthy Eating Habits
A pantry can play an important role in promoting a healthy lifestyle. It starts with a simple dietary choice of snack or drink and can escalate to bigger and healthier choices in their personal lives. This encourages companies to provide snacks that are high in protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients that can improve the health of their employees. For those needing an energy boost, options like bananas and yogurt can also be included.
Including a pantry to your office also gives the company the responsibility to make inclusive choices. Different individuals have varied preferences when it comes to food, whether they are vegetarians or require a low-sodium diet. Acknowledging these diverse choices can greatly enhance employees’ morale, making them feel valued and respected.
Staying on Top of the Competition
Numerous factors influence a person's choice of workplace. One effective way to differentiate your business from competitors is by offering unique office benefits that are not commonly provided. For example, including complimentary lunches and easy access to snacks and beverages as part of the employment package can encourage candidates to choose your company over others. Additionally, these perks can help maintain employee loyalty and improve retention rates.
Given the many benefits of having a pantry at the workplace, companies have included it as a primary element in their office space design. Depending on the needs of the organization, Neptel Design + Build has created a variety of pantry layouts. Learn more about how Neptel Design + Build can create nourishment hubs for your office space.
References
Palmer, M. (2024, May 31). Survey shows link between food and improved workplace. Zerocater. https://zerocater.com/blog/survey-shows-link-between-food-improved-workplace/
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