Of all of the different ways you can provide your employees with in-office meals through today’s corporate catering solutions, family-style catering is one of our favorite approaches. Nothing beats the feeling of camaraderie evoked by passing and sharing a variety of courses over a meal, encouraging colleagues to feel more like — you guessed it — family members.
The act of eating food together — academics refer to it as “commensality” — is such a primal behavior that it can be extraordinarily meaningful, demonstrating that corporate culture is built in the cafeteria or company lunchroom.
How can office managers and admins implement family-style catering options and reap the multiple benefits of this impactful communal dining style for their teams? How does this type of food service differ from other corporate catering options, such as Group Ordering or boxed meals?
You have questions about family-style catering; read on for answers from Cater2.me.
What are the benefits of family-style catering?
- Building stronger teams through shared experiences:
In today’s competitive business landscape, companies are constantly seeking ways to enhance workplace culture, employee satisfaction, and talent attraction and retention. One often overlooked yet powerful tool is family-style corporate catering. This communal dining experience offers numerous benefits that extend far beyond simple sustenance.
When employees gather around a shared table and pass dishes to one another, they engage in a fundamental human bonding experience. Research from Cornell University suggests that eating together promotes collaboration and trust among team members. The simple act of asking a colleague to pass the salad or offering someone the last piece of grilled chicken creates micro-interactions that strengthen workplace relationships.
Family-style dining naturally encourages conversation and connection. Unlike individual boxed lunches that better serve workers during busy days or on tight deadlines, shared meals create an environment where team members must interact, coordinate, and consider others’ needs. This dynamic mirrors the collaborative spirit companies strive to foster in their day-to-day operations.
- Offering a cost-effective and sustainable corporate catering solution:
From a financial perspective, family-style catering often provides better value than individual portions. Caterers can prepare food in larger quantities, reducing per-person costs and staying within budget while maintaining quality. This approach also generates less packaging waste compared to individually packaged meals, aligning with corporate sustainability goals.
The flexibility of portion sizes in family-style service also helps accommodate varying appetites, reducing food waste. When people can serve themselves, they take what they’ll eat rather than being confined to predetermined portion sizes that might be too large or small for their needs.
- Providing improved menu variety and enhanced dining experience:
Family-style service allows employees to sample multiple dishes rather than being limited to a single entrée choice. This variety not only caters to different dietary restrictions but also creates a more engaging dining experience. Employees can try new foods and flavors they might not otherwise select, broadening their culinary horizons while fostering a more adventurous company culture.
The presentation of family-style meals also elevates the dining experience. Large, attractively arranged platters create a more upscale atmosphere than individual boxes or buffet lines. This enhanced presentation demonstrates company investment in employee well-being and can make routine meetings or working lunches feel more special.
- Promoting cultural Integration and inclusivity:
Shared meals naturally lend themselves to celebrating diverse cuisines and eating traditions. Family-style service can easily accommodate various dietary requirements – vegetarian, halal, gluten-free options can be incorporated seamlessly alongside other dishes. This inclusive approach ensures all team members feel considered and respected.
In addition, family-style dining reflects many cultural traditions where sharing food is a cornerstone of community building. This resonates particularly well in multinational companies or diverse teams, creating an environment where different cultural practices are celebrated rather than separated.
- Improving meeting productivity:
When implemented during working meetings, family-style catering can actually enhance productivity. The act of sharing food creates a more relaxed atmosphere conducive to open discussion and creative thinking. Unlike buffets, which can create lengthy lines and interrupted conversation, family-style service keeps team members engaged at the table.
The informal nature of passing dishes also helps break down hierarchical barriers. When executives and entry-level employees share the same dishes, it creates a more egalitarian environment that can facilitate better communication across organizational levels.
- Boosting health and wellness benefits:
Family-style service promotes mindful eating habits. When people serve themselves, they’re more likely to pay attention to portion sizes and make conscious choices about their food intake. The slower pace of a shared meal, compared to quickly consuming a pre-packaged lunch, allows time for proper digestion and social connection.
What factors should I consider when implementing a family-style catering plan?
To maximize the benefits of family-style corporate catering, consider these key factors:
- Table arrangements that facilitate easy dish passing and conversation
- Appropriate serving utensils and plate sizes
- Clear labeling of dishes and allergens
- Professional service staff to replenish and maintain food stations
- Adequate time allocation for the shared dining experience
What family-style catering solutions does Cater2.me offer?
Family-style corporate catering represents more than just a meal service choice – it’s an investment in company culture, team building, and employee engagement. The shared experience of breaking bread together creates lasting connections, while the practical benefits of cost-effectiveness and sustainability make it a smart business decision. In an era where companies seek meaningful ways to strengthen their organizational fabric, family-style catering offers a tangible solution that nourishes both body and community.
Cater2.me’s family-style catering solutions encompass everything from working with a dedicated account manager to ensure everything goes smoothly to creating customizable menus from our curated list of culinary partners to elevating the entire experience with upgraded servingware and decor, catering staff, and even chefs to prepare your meals on-site.
Considering family-style catering to bring a fresh, familial feeling to your in-office meals? Connect with one of Cater2.me’s corporate catering experts today to learn how you can help build team bonds through shared dining experiences.
