Pantry Optimization in Oil & Gas: What Works in Rugged, Remote Environments

An office pantry is an excellent amenity to offer in any business. In the oil and gas industry, however, providing your people with this benefit can get tricky. After all, those workers might be placed in rather remote locations, making it harder to stay stocked up on all of their favorite products. 

You need a reliable, experienced partner to manage a pantry under these conditions. Fortunately, InReach is here to help. By working with our team, you’ll be able to craft a plan that makes sure your valued workers also have the food and drink products they need to keep getting the job done day after day. 

Remote Operations Offer Specific Challenges

Oil and gas teams are not typically stationed in the middle of a major city. They usually aren’t in the suburbs, either. Often, these operations are found far from the beaten path, making virtually every part of running them a little more complicated. 

Keeping a pantry full in a distant location requires careful planning. It requires a model that is organized and flexible, allowing for quick adjustments when something changes. It might be weather conditions that block shipping channels temporarily, or a sudden need for increased staffing that places additional demands on the supplies in the pantry. Whatever the case, being prepared for the unexpected is a big part of the job in this industry. 

Customization is Essential

It won’t work to simply stock up a pantry with a generic, basic collection of products. The pantry needs to be customized to the needs of your workers and adapted to their tastes over time. 

First and foremost, this is an industry that demands plenty of energy. So, foods that are high in protein are a good starting point, as are energy drinks and similar products that can provide a quick boost late in the day. Also, since they’ll be shipped a long distance and perhaps be stored for some time, opting for products that are shelf-stable and long-lasting is a smart approach. 

The collection of products featured in your pantry should also be adjusted as you move forward and gather data on what your people like. The products that disappear quickly can be ordered in larger quantities, while the items that never seem to leave the shelves can be trimmed from your deliveries. In time, with the help of InReach, you can optimize the ordering process to save money and get better results. 

Support Employee Retention

Turnover in the oil and gas industry can be rather high, especially for roles that are performed well away from the big city. These are hard jobs, and if people don’t feel properly supported, they may look for another option. 

Having access to a pantry on-site might not be the only thing that keeps someone in the fold with your company, but it certainly helps. Providing them with great food and drink options on the job shows that you are invested in their overall well-being. Keeping even a few key people around longer will make the money spent on your pantry program more than worth it in the end. 

We Are Ready for Any Challenge

Solving problems is what we do best at Inreach. Whether you are frustrated with the challenges you’ve been facing in developing office pantry services, or you’ll just be getting started for the first time, contacting our team is a smart step to take. Soon enough, your people will be benefitting from a well-stocked pantry with a wide variety of food and beverage options to explore. 

Proudly part of Sodexo, InReach offers global reach, customized attention, and a large, growing buying network that keeps food costs low and quality high. Contact us today to learn more.