Why the Office Canteen Still Matters

You'll notice that more and more people choose to eat at their desks, and you may wonder what the point of the office canteen is. Some will go out to buy lunch just for a change of scene then return to staring at their screens. On-site catering is still important, however, and your office canteen has a big part to play in your workplace culture and the wellbeing of your employees.

Just having the office canteen there as an option can be really beneficial. There may be days when staff want to meet up with colleagues over lunch, and don't want to do that at their desks when other people are working. The canteen is the ideal break out space, giving people a chance to socialise now and then but also affording them some privacy.

Being able to buy food on-site is also great on those days when the weather isn't so good, and people may be deterred from venturing out to look for lunch. Your in-house menu should be interesting, nutritious and appealing to all tastes and dietary requirements. If people can get a proper lunch or breakfast to see them through the day, they're going to be more productive.

The canteen space is also versatile. It's usually large enough that team meetings or client meetings can be held there, over a cup of coffee and a packet of biscuits. It gives people a chance to get away from their desks and enjoy some time together.

Don't dismiss the significance of the office canteen. Employees still appreciate the space, so don't take it away from them.