Food is emerging as the new connector in the workplace, says Manika Awasthi, Chief People Officer at Compass Group, India - a global leader in food and support services, operating in various sectors like business, education, healthcare, and industry. Food plays a very pivotal role in the workplace in terms of well-being and connection, Awasthi affirmed, citing insights from Compass Group's Global Eat at Work (GEAW) study. Approximately 92 percent of Indian employees report that taking breaks boosts productivity and has become a powerful tool for enhancing engagement.

"This directly translates to tangible business benefits: A pleasant dining experience contributes to overall job satisfaction, which, in turn, helps reduce turnover. Lower turnover signifies higher engagement," said Awasthi.

In today's hybrid and high-pressure workplaces, food has been seen as a powerful enabler of social interaction. From vibrant cafés to curated micro-markets and coffee bars, companies are designing food spaces to bring people together. These spaces are becoming hubs for conversation, collaboration, and creativity—transforming the break into a vital moment of reconnection. Whether it's a casual conversation over a morning brew or team bonding over healthy lunches, food-led experiences are reshaping workplace culture.

The leader elaborated on how initiatives like "Street Food Weeks" and "Live Counters" actively boost employee morale and combat loneliness in large corporate setups. According to her, shared meals are also a fantastic avenue for promoting networking opportunities, strengthening workplace relationships and fostering collaboration. The inclusion of diverse food options from different regions of the country helps to create a profound sense of belonging and respect.

According to the "Power of Socialisation" survey conducted by Compass Group, spanning 21 countries, it was found that 78 percent of Gen Z employees value work environments that promote meaningful relationships, while 54 percent would consider quitting a job due to loneliness. The data highlighted that only 29 percent of Gen Z employees feel connected to their company's mission in unsocial work environments—underscoring the growing need to embed natural moments of socialisation into daily office life.

When asked if the "food as a social connector" trend was specific to younger generations, such as Gen Z, Awasthi was unequivocal. "It is unifying people across generations because food courts are the social leveller. They are shared spaces that foster intergenerational bonding. Open-plan cafeterias are designed to encourage interaction among people of all ages," she asserted.

One of the widespread shifts that Manika observed in corporate meal preferences is the emphasis on healthy food choices. More corporations are prioritising nutritious foods for their employees.

"Far more people are now about culinary experience. Everyone wants to ensure that their workspaces are safe. It's efficient. You will see that more and more people are opting for only nutritious options," said Awasthi.

Compass Group leverages its network of over 3,000 culinary experts and more than 200 workplace food programs, along with innovation kitchens, to customise nutritious offerings for diverse needs, spanning corporate to healthcare and education.

Amidst the current war for talent, organisations are continuously seeking ways to make employees feel a sense of belonging. A key finding from the Power of Socialisation study indicates that 85% of employees who actively socialised at work also reported a strong sense of belonging and felt heard, compared to only 52% of their less social counterparts. This suggests that by strategically focusing on food offerings and opportunities for socialisation, companies can significantly elevate employee engagement. This elevated engagement, leading to increased productivity and recognition, becomes a powerful differentiator in retaining top talent.