Should You Provide Free Drinks And Snacks For Your Employees?
Your employees are entitled to food and drink throughout their shift. But should you provide it for them? And should you pay for it? While there are many perks to providing free drinks and snacks in the workplace, there are also potential drawbacks you need to consider. This post weighs up the pros and cons and delves into a few recommended offerings.
The benefits of free workplace drinks and snacks
There are some notable upsides to providing free drinks and snacks to employee:
It shows you care for your employees
Free snacks and drinks are a simple way of showing appreciation. Such a workplace perk can boost morale and make people want to come into the office.
It keeps your employees energised and productive
Thirst and hunger can reduce concentration and make people work slower. With free food and drinks available, employees can stay energised. It’s particularly useful if employees forget their lunch or are financially struggling.
It can encourage staff interaction
Office kitchens and coffee stations can often become places for staff to strike up conversations. This increased interaction can lead to a more collaborative and friendly team.
The drawbacks of free workplace drinks and snacks
There are a few drawbacks that also need to be considered before you provide free drinks and snacks:
It’s an added cost for your company
Providing food and drink is an extra cost to budget for. Over time, it can add up – especially in workplaces with lots of employees.
It’s extra stock control and maintenance to keep on top of
You need to make sure that food and drinks are stocked up and kept fresh. If you’re providing a free self-service coffee machine, this will also need to be regularly cleaned and occasionally may need repairs.
You need to be wary of different dietary requirements and preferences
It’s hard to please everyone’s tastes, plus certain workers may have allergies or religious/ethical dietary restrictions. To keep everyone happy, you may need to provide a range of foods and drinks (e.g. different types of milk).
Recommended offerings for your workplace
Every UK workplace is legally required to provide free drinking water. This could just be access to tap water, a drinking fountain or you could order a dispenser from a water cooler company.
Coffee and tea are not legally required, but are considered staples. Caffeine helps boost alertness and concentration, so consider this as another freebie.
When it comes to snacks, stick to healthy foods. Fresh fruit, nuts, granola bars and yoghurts are popular examples, however you could consider more alternative options like vegetable crisps, popcorn, seaweed, pretzels, dark chocolate or carrots and hummus.
Some companies go the extra mile and may pay for lunch out for their team once per week or order in a pizza. Some larger businesses with big turnovers and huge teams even invest in canteens with free offerings – which may include warm meals.
It’s also possible to compromise by offering some paid options (like vending machines) or by collaborating with local cafes/stores to provide discounts to employees. This can motivate employees to stay fed and hydrated without entirely paying for it or having to physically supply stock.
Final thoughts
Free refreshments provision is generally a good idea for most businesses as it boosts morale, camaraderie and productivity. However, it’s important to consider your budget, dietary needs and the healthiness of the food and drinks supplied.
