The labor market has changed drastically in the past decade. As a result, companies of all sizes are facing new challenges. A major one is finding and hiring the talent they need. A recent survey found that 75% of U.S. employers regularly struggle to fill positions with qualified candidates — a serious threat to everyday operations that calls for effective solutions and new recruiting strategies.
Food could be the answer. As simple as it may sound, free meals and snacks are an attractive perk for employees. There’s statistical evidence to back it up: our Food for Work 2023 report found that 50% of workers say they’re more likely to accept a job offer if the company provides catering.
To see the latest stats on how food drives hiring results, you’ll want to read the full report. But in the meantime, human resource professionals and talent acquisition specialists should consider these tips for integrating food into their recruiting strategies.
Why are food perks such an attractive recruiting tool?
Before using food as a tool for hiring employees, it’s a good idea to understand its allure. Why do workers so often rank free meals as more important than any other job perks, such as flexible work arrangements and wellness benefits? There are three major reasons.
1. Free food can help employees save money
Our report found that 63% of workers spend at least $10 per meal when they’re working at the office. At the end of the month, that comes out to $200. When companies provide free meals, employees can keep that cash in their wallets. In a way, catered lunches can feel like a pay raise: after a year of employment, workers have $2,400 extra in their budgets.
2. Food at work can help ease stress
Packing a lunch takes time and effort. From choosing a recipe to making a grocery list to ensuring the meal is office-friendly (no overpowering odors, easy to eat, not messy), it can feel overwhelming. And not packing a lunch isn’t much better: Will the vending machine provide a filling meal? Will I have enough time to hit a drive-thru and be back before the end of the break?
Whew, it’s exhausting! When companies offer a catered lunch, all those worries go away, and workers can just focus on doing their job. That’s why 59% of people say they feel less stress when their employer provides lunch.
3. Employer-provided food helps make workers feel appreciated
An employer that offers lunch is an employer that cares about workers’ well-being. The way employees see it, they went out of their way — spending time and money — to offer a bonus perk to employees, even though they didn’t have to. This is especially true of companies that accommodate food allergies and dietary restrictions. And when employees are happy, they’re more likely to go above and beyond and stay with the company for longer.
How to let applicants know that lunch is on you
Ready to add catered meals to your roster of recruiting strategies? Then it’s time to get the word out there. Because only 43% of companies mention free coffee, meals, or snacks during the recruitment process, you’ll have an advantage in attracting the best talent.
1. Make food at work part of your online presence
Consider amending the company’s “careers” page to include mentions of the catered meals now being offered. This way, when candidates peruse the website while considering applying for the job, they’ll find this attractive perk right away.
You may also consider posting about catered meals on social media (for example, on LinkedIn). It will draw attention to your dedication to employee satisfaction and hiring efforts.
2. Include food perks in your job listings
71% of job seekers want to read about a company’s work culture before applying for a job. By not including the free coffee, food, and drinks your company offers in job listings, you could be inadvertently turning away well-qualified candidates. Be sure to include at least a bullet point about this job perk.
3. Mention food perks during interviews
The most successful job interviews communicate expectations and perks clearly. Candidates always want to know what their day-to-day would be like before accepting an offer. While you’re interviewing them, bring up the free food and drinks offered. It piques their interest in the company and showcases a positive and welcoming culture.
Don’t forget to include food during the hiring process
Interviews are the right time to assess if a candidate would be a good fit for your company. It’s also an opportunity for the applicant to decide if they would thrive there. Use food to your advantage here to make a good impression.
Offer drinks and snacks at the interview
Refreshments make candidates feel welcomed and more relaxed during interviews. That’s a good thing. For starters, applicants get a taste (literally!) of what they can expect on a day-to-day if they accept a job offer. They’re also more likely to provide candid and unrehearsed answers to your questions, giving you a clearer picture of whether they’d be a good addition to the team.
Highlight a “food and drink” package as a benefit
The topic of benefits is bound to come up. Health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave are all important add-ons applicants care about. But don’t forget to highlight the catered food options. Comped meals are one of the most effective recruiting strategies, particularly for Gen Z professionals, who are 18% more likely to accept a job offer if it involves free food.
Give tours of eating spaces at the office
If you find yourself interviewing a candidate you’re particularly enthusiastic about, take them on a tour of the office. It helps them imagine what the workday would look like. Don’t forget about the eating areas! Showing off a spacious cafeteria or a laid-back break room (stocked with snacks, of course) will make them feel more welcomed and look forward to new-hire orientation.
Embrace food as one of your successful recruiting strategies
If your company isn’t using food as a hiring incentive yet, now is the time to change that. Free snacks and lunches give HR professionals and TA specialists a leg-up in enticing the right candidates over competitors in the industry.
But the perks of catered food don’t end once the onboarding process is finished. Successful modern companies reap benefits in talent retention, employee satisfaction, productivity, and more. To learn about all the ways free meals can benefit your business, read our Food for Work 2023 report.
