The best employee appreciation gift: food

2021 was another tough year for businesses and employees – and it’s never been more important to show appreciation for everyone who’s done their part to get through it.

Whether your team is made up of a dozen or a few thousand, finding a way to show them appreciation beyond their salary is crucial, and, for many, the best way to do this is with food.

The link between food, employee appreciation and satisfaction is not as tenuous as you might think. It has at least some roots in the early days of investment banking and law firms, who have long used it as a way to reward employees who show dedication by staying at the office after hours. But in 2020, this shifted from working late at the office, to working late at home – and finding a balance between work and family life in the midst of challenging times.

Before 2020, organisations used the concept of bustling high-end canteens, with fresh fruit, smoothies, bottomless coffees and regular employee appreciation lunches and dinners. All to thank workers and entrench corporate culture. Research has shown that incentivising and keeping employees happy actually works. Employee happiness can increase sales, productivity, and task accuracy significantly.

But employee appreciation lunches have changed. They’re no longer about finding a restaurant and convincing employees to step away from their desks for a few hours. In a time when only a small number of employees are working in the office and the rest are working from home, priorities and available options have shifted significantly.

As many companies still have restrictions and policies on official in person team catch ups, is it even possible to resurrect the concept of an employee appreciation dinner or lunch? The answer is yes – and by giving the gift of Uber Eats, it’s actually easier, and possibly even more convenient for employees. 

Over the course of the pandemic, many companies have used Uber Eats to thank those unable to convene in person. Missing the connections forged during employee lunches? Or struggling to keep employees  engaged? Businesses around the world are using Uber Eats to deliver meals to home offices, incentivise employees back in the office and as a way to forge connections virtually. And as some of us begin returning to physical office spaces, allocating a budget to food delivery offers a solution to the busy canteen, when eating quality restaurant meals from the safety of a desk is an appealing alternative.

Employee appreciation meals may have changed, but there’s no reason that businesses can’t still use food as a thoughtful touch to say thank you. Gifting food to employees gives staff the opportunity to pick and choose according to their tastes – it’s a great way to thank your team in these unusual times. 

The benefits from a corporate perspective are also marked – gift cards are easier to budget for, and quick and simple to distribute among staff. Human resources departments no longer have to struggle to find solutions – the seamless integration with corporate Uber for Business accounts solves everything. 

Sound like something your employees would appreciate? Or just want to learn more about easy catering for your employees? Get started on giving back to your employees with Uber Eats.