All Stocked Up

Published on : 1/19/23
  • Discover the benefits of an office pantry

    It’s a common headline these days: employee engagement should be the holy-grail employers strive for. And an organization’s success is in large part dependent on its employees’ happiness at work. 

    So, what’s a simple way to generate engagement? A well-stocked office pantry! 

    It’s a surprisingly easy solution that promotes a positive work culture. A well-designed space filled with great snacks and refreshing beverages quickly becomes the creative hub of your organization, where interactions and collaboration happen organically. Establishing a work culture where employees thrive — a 2019 Glassdoor study found that two-thirds of respondents cite a good company culture as the reason they stay — is essential to a business’ success.

    A healthy work culture creates a sense of inclusiveness and belonging, which today’s workforce prizes more than at any other time in history. At the center of this are the myriad joys of food — the common denominator that connects us all — and the workplace is the perfect opportunity to showcase this. Stock your pantry with office refreshments that invoke comfort and culture. When people feel valued and seen, they are more likely to feel like they’re part of something larger than themselves.   

    Of course, you want to take care of your people’s physical well-being, too, and an office pantry with an eye on health and wellness is a win for all. After all, a healthier workforce is a more productive workforce, and while we all could use a treat to head off that 2 p.m. slump, it’s also nice to offer healthful options to boost your team’s energy. How about a nutrient-rich smoothie or a protein bar alongside your office coffee offering? It’s all about finding good fuel to power your team through their days to ward off employee burnout. 

    48% of survey respondents said they would be receptive to better office perks including free snacks.

    Source: Peapod Grocery Delivery Survey

    Speaking of burnout, it’s not just a buzzword you hear on the news these days. Defined as a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress, burnout occurs when one feels overwhelmed and unable to meet constant demands. No one is immune to the phenomenon, and it can occur in your personal or professional life. A 2020 Gallup report titled “Employee Burnout: Causes and Cures” found that job burnout is actually more about how employees experience their workload than the literal number of hours they work. Give your employees a much-needed break from their day-to-day tasks with a well-stocked and laid out pantry, where their senses can be delighted by delicious offerings, and a change in scenery. 

    Employee retention is another phrase we hear a lot about these days. With a decades-low unemployment rate of 3.7%, employee retention is of utmost importance, especially when you consider how costly turnover is. Does an office pantry improve retention rates? We think so, especially among the millennial and Gen Z cohort, who are more likely to be lured to a company that offers better perks, like food. A well-curated pantry with variety, surprises and trendy local products could very well be your best recruitment and retention tool. 

    Want to learn more about how the perfect workplace refreshments can make a difference in the lives of your employees? Read our insights report here and let InReach design a custom solution for you.

    It's All InReach

    We know one size never fits all — flexibility begins and ends with customization. We're ready to partner with you to create the perfect customized experience for your, and your people's, needs. 

    Contact Us