The main reason to come to the office more often? The restaurant

The physical environment and overall experience encourage employees to be more engaged in their workplace, explains ISS, the international business services group. Moreover, this major catering player in Belgium points out that the main reason for coming to work more on-site is none other than the comfort of the food.

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THE COUNCIL: “Recognize that employees are more likely to come to the office if the experience is engaging. Invest in high-quality facilities and services, such as offering selective dining experiences . ”

The office still plays a significant role in workers' lives, but in a way that has changed dramatically, ISS Group explores in its Evolving Workplaces 2025 trend analysis report . The study, conducted among 11,000 people in 15 countries, including Belgium and the Netherlands, also drew on customer interviews and expert opinions.

The bottom line is that while the rise of hybrid work models has demonstrated the benefits of remote working, it has also highlighted the loss of connection when people are away from the office. In this new reality, ISS notes, employers are seeking to reinvent their workplaces, make themselves more attractive, and build communities.

The results of the ISS study highlight that high-quality facilities and services are essential to encourage employees to work more from the office and to generate greater engagement. More specifically, among the aspects to prioritize in these workspaces, it would be essential to take care of the "food experience."

What if food experience fueled better business results?

"A quality experience leads to excellent collaboration, which in turn drives higher engagement and, ultimately, better business results," the report states. Nearly two-thirds of employees surveyed (64%) even say that the quality of the food offering is what would most motivate them to come to the office more often.

Eating comfort appears to be the primary incentive to travel, out of the eighteen options offered, ahead of the reduction in working time corresponding to the time spent traveling to the office and quiet areas for concentration. A dining experience that must remain accessible "throughout the day, with an emphasis on breakfast, lunch, snacks, and coffee."

It's also worth noting that the ISS study highlights the high importance that 83% of employees surveyed place on sustainability initiatives in the workplace. Sustainable food and beverage options once again appear among the most requested initiatives, following energy-efficient buildings and sustainable commuting options.