You know how it goes – with so many tasks to track during the workday, it’s easy for employees to forget about lunch. Whether they’re prioritizing projects or simply getting caught up in the hustle, midday meals often get neglected.
But here’s the thing: nutrition is crucial for productivity. When your team is well-fed, they can focus better and stay engaged. So why not show your appreciation and give them a little boost by providing lunch every now and then? It’s a great way to keep them satisfied and content as they power through their workday.
In fact, some offices have started implementing team snack and meal initiatives, and guess what? Surveys have shown a 67% increase in job satisfaction! It’s definitely something worth considering for your workplace.
Now, we get it – not all companies have the budget to provide daily meals. But even the occasional company-provided lunch can have some awesome benefits like team building and collaboration. So take a look at these fantastic team lunch ideas and see if any of them could be the perfect fit for your office.
A Taco Bar
Tacos are always a hit and can easily accommodate different dietary preferences. Whether it’s ground beef, chicken, or even chorizo, everyone will find something they love.
Set out all the fixings like sour cream, guacamole, and various sauces, along with toppings like onions, olives, mushrooms, tomatoes, and cheese. This flavorful and nutrient-packed meal will keep your team energized throughout the day. With an average cost of around $15 per person, you can cater to dietary restrictions while keeping everyone satisfied.
Wraps and Sandwiches
Whether you opt for a 6-foot-long party sub or individually wrapped varieties, you can find a vendor that meets your sandwich needs. Many lunch providers offer a variety of sandwich and wrap options, along with chips and drinks.
Plus, there are even vegan-friendly choices available. Depending on what you order, you’ll get different nutritional benefits, but the bread itself provides fiber and essential minerals like iron. At an average cost of around $15 per meal, this is a convenient and satisfying option for team members who just want to grab a quick bite and get back to work.
People Love Pizza!
Who doesn’t love a pizza? When it comes to deciding on lunch options for your employees, you can’t go wrong with this classic choice. Pizza offers a wide range of possibilities, with various providers and toppings to satisfy everyone’s preferences. Whether your team members are meat-lovers or vegetarians, pizza time is sure to bring everyone together.
Not only is pizza delicious, but it also offers some nutritional benefits. A single slice contains a good amount of fiber and has the right balance of fat and calories for a satisfying meal. If you add some meat toppings, you’ll also get an extra boost of protein. And let’s not forget about the veggies! Depending on what your crew decides to pile on, you can increase the nutritional value with added fiber, iron, and vitamin C.
The best part is that you can treat your team to this fan favorite without breaking the bank. For around 10−10-15 per person, you’ll have everyone happily enjoying their slices.
Plate up Some Hors d’oeuvres
Why not serve up some delicious hors d’oeuvres for lunch? You don’t always need a full-course meal to satisfy your team. A variety of finger foods can make for a fantastic and easy lunch idea for your office workgroup.
Think mini quiches, finger sandwiches, pigs in a blanket, and a charcuterie platter. Add some veggies and dip like celery, baby carrots, and olives to balance out the meats and cheeses.
The charcuterie tray and pigs in a blanket provide a good dose of iron and protein. Most cheeses are packed with vitamin D and calcium. And don’t forget about the veggies! They bring in vitamin C, fiber, and other essential nutrients. With the right combination, your crew will get all the nutrition they need to power through their day.
A Lasagna Bake-off
Why not turn lunch into a fun contest with everyone’s favorite – lasagna? Many people take pride in their lasagna recipes, and who doesn’t love a good lasagna? It’s a lunch idea that’s a win-win for your employees.
Start by putting out a sign-up sheet for staff members to enter their best lasagna into the contest. If there aren’t enough entries to feed everyone, you can bake a lasagna or two yourself or ask other leaders to help out.
You can use a point system to rank them. Provide each person with a card or online questionnaire to rate the lasagnas based on flavor, smell, and texture. Tally up the points for each entry.
Award different ribbons or medals to the highest-scoring lasagnas. And don’t forget the ties and awards. It would be thoughtful to provide napkins, plates, and flatware to make the lunch event complete.
Bring in A Buffet
Many companies have a favorite local restaurant that employees love. You can have their best food brought in and set up for a buffet-style lunch.
Whether your team enjoys Japanese, Italian, or American cuisine, there’s a restaurant that can cater to your preferences.
The cost of the buffet can be tailored to fit your budget, ranging from 10 to 30 per plate. It’s a convenient way to provide a free lunch for your employees and makes everyone happy!
Throw A Potluck Party
How about hosting a potluck party for your corporate lunch? It’s a simple and cost-effective idea that doesn’t require too much preparation.
Create a sign-up sheet or share a spreadsheet for participants to enter what they plan to bring. If you want to have a themed lunch, such as a nacho bar or summer picnic, provide a list of options for team members to choose from. This will prevent duplicate dishes.
The cost to the company will be minimal. You can provide drinks, napkins, plates/bowls, and flatware, while the rest is up to the participants.
Sushi for The Win
Why not treat your employees to a sushi platter lunch for your next corporate event? Sushi is a popular choice and there are many varieties to suit everyone’s taste preferences.
You can easily find sushi restaurants that offer catering services, bringing their delicious rolls right to your office. Whether you prefer rolls wrapped in sticky rice or seaweed, dipped in soy sauce or wasabi, you can customize your sushi experience to your liking.
Not only is sushi delicious, but it also has health benefits. It is low in cholesterol and high in fiber. Rolls with fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, vitamin B2, iron, and other essential minerals.
Keep in mind that sushi catering tends to be on the pricier side compared to other options. Depending on your location, expect to pay around 10to10 to 30 per person for a sushi meal.
Company Picnic
Hosting a company picnic can be a fantastic idea for a staff lunch, especially if you have access to a rooftop patio or a spacious parking lot that can be blocked off. If you don’t have the space on-site, nearby parks often have pavilions or picnic sites available for rent.
Gather your team and fire up the grill for a fun outdoor lunch. Bring soda, chips, and classic sides like baked beans and potato salad. You can organize it as a potluck, hire a caterer, or even have the company take care of everything. The goal is to enjoy a leisurely afternoon outdoors, fostering a sense of community among your team.
Accommodate different dietary preferences by setting aside a section of the grill for vegan options like Brussels sprouts, carrots, and potatoes. Keep gluten-free buns handy for teammates with specific dietary needs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their meal.
The nutritional value and budget of the picnic will depend on how you plan and the food choices you make. Regardless of the details, a company picnic is a guaranteed way to bring your team together and create a memorable experience.