Over the past few years, UK workplaces have undergone a transformation. Hybrid working has become the norm, with many employees splitting time between home and office. While flexible arrangements are popular, companies now face a new challenge: how to rebuild culture and collaboration when teams aren’t in the same place every day.
One surprisingly effective solution? Food.
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Why catering is becoming central to office life
In cities like Manchester, corporate catering is no longer just about feeding staff during meetings. Businesses are increasingly using food as a way to entice employees back to the office, reward hard work, and create opportunities for informal networking. A catered breakfast or a shared lunch can turn a standard workday into a social experience, helping to rebuild connections lost during years of remote working.
Recent surveys suggest that employees view shared meals as a perk that adds real value to their working lives. It’s less about indulgence and more about fostering a sense of belonging.
Corporate catering in Manchester on the rise
Manchester has seen a particular rise in demand for office and event catering that goes beyond the basics. With a diverse workforce and thriving business community, the city’s catering scene is adapting quickly to new expectations. Flexibility, variety, and inclusivity are now the markers of good service.
South Catering, one of Manchester’s established corporate caterers, has noted how businesses are increasingly investing in food as part of their wider workplace strategy. From catering lunches for hybrid teams to providing menus for in-person training days, the role of catering is shifting from practical necessity to cultural investment.
The bigger picture
As organisations rethink their office spaces, food is being recognised as a powerful tool to encourage collaboration and bring teams together. In a competitive labour market, it can even form part of a company’s employer brand – demonstrating a commitment to employee wellbeing.
Corporate catering in Manchester is at the heart of this trend, with providers adapting to the changing needs of modern workplaces. What was once a tray of sandwiches is now a chance to bring people together, strengthen culture, and make the office feel worth returning to.