Versatile, digital, sustainable

According to a business survey carried out by the ifo Institute, around 80% of companies were already offering their employees WFH models in mid-2024, and very few of them are planning to restrict these regulations again in the future. There can therefore no longer be any talk of a short-term trend, as some people suspected during the coronavirus pandemic and its immediate aftermath.

Indeed, it is becoming clear that drops in the number of employees using canteens will only be recuperated if there is a fundamental change in what is on offer. Culinary offerings must be presented so attractively that they make employees want to swap their desk at home for one on their employer's premises again.

The example of Henkel AG shows how this can be achieved. The Düsseldorf-based company has transformed its entire catering concept at its headquarters and now offers an experiential dining concept in three themed restaurants. In addition to the classic local cuisine restaurant, staff can now also sample the new Asia Market.  It is not only an eye-catcher with its raw industrial flair, but is also guaranteed to whet the appetite with a wide variety of dishes from simple noodles to high-quality curries. The Italian restaurant, on the other hand, tempts guests with fresh pasta and pizza and exudes an exclusive charm with its blend of Mediterranean colours and abundant wood. Each of the food serving concepts in the three themed restaurants has its own individual design.

As with modern working environments, the interior design concept is kept open to create exciting possibilities for different events. All the effort has certainly paid off. "We have become the company campfire," enthuses catering manager Christian Poncin about the charismatic catering offer.

Deutsche Bahn's  company catering has undergone a similarly profound change since the coronavirus pandemic. Particularly sharp drops in diner numbers were noticed at the beginning and end of the week, while the demand for more regional, healthier organic cuisine with vegetarian and vegan food increased. The offer has been adapted accordingly and, thanks to digitalisation, is now more transparent than ever for DB employees. The dedicated Casino app provides information on menus, allergens and other aspects like current visitor levels, and even offers the option to rate dishes.

The Casino-2-Go service also reaches target groups who prefer to eat in communal areas in their office, for example. The range includes a selection of fresh food from vegan pasta to goulash, which are easy to take away in reusable containers to reheat and eat elsewhere.

A study by the vending machine provider foodji reveals just how well every euro is invested in optimising company catering. It surveyed more than 1,000 members of Generation Z – in other words, those who are poised to be most important to companies in the competition for skilled labour in the coming years. The findings? Some 63% of participants stated that a catering offer from their employer was an important criterion for them when choosing a job. But even beyond the young target group, the figures speak for themselves: Only 34% said they enjoyed preparing their lunch for the office at home.

Company restaurants have become an important location factor that demonstrates appreciation for employees as part of the corporate culture. An employer-sponsored catering provision not only increases employee loyalty. The opportunity to sit down and enjoy a meal together in pleasant surroundings can also give way to spontaneous discussions and ideas that are taken back to desks for further development later. The relaxed atmosphere and space for more personal interaction also helps to bring teams closer together. This effect can also be specifically nurtured by the interior design. In its "Elbe" canteen, for example, the Otto Group uses so-called community tables – long communal tables that encourage interaction and communication.

Another convincing argument is that companies with healthy and sustainable company catering services record less absenteeism and higher productivity because physical and mental performance and job satisfaction increase as a result.

So how can company catering operators make the leap from an outdated catering facility to a lively place of encounter and inspiration?

B.PRO Catering Solutions offer a wide range of practical solutions for culinary experiences: