Over half (57%) of employees would eat in their workplace canteens more frequently if they were rewarded for doing so by a loyalty scheme offering personalised deals, according to new research.
A poll by digital ordering technology provider Preoday also reveals that a quarter of workers would visit their canteen more if they could pre-order and collect their food.
When asked what is important during their lunch break, a third of workers with a workplace canteen say cheap prices and value for money is critical when buying food from their workplace canteen.
Over half of UK workers (57%) said the introduction of tech-led loyalty schemes that could offer more personalised deals would lead them to visit their workplace canteen more often. At present, only 15% of workplace canteens provide any sort of loyalty scheme to office workers.
Yoyo (mobile payments and loyalty marketing platform) CEO Michael Rolph said: “There is a huge opportunity for caterers to hone in on their customers’ behaviour, address gaps in their current services and deliver enhanced experiences that will increase footfall, boister customer retention and, above all,strengthen revenue”
‘Speed’ is one of the two most important factors when considering lunch options according to 27% off workers – and nearly a quarter said that queuing time actively puts them off visiting their workplace canteen.
Nick Hucker, CEO of Preoday, said: “In the UK the desk is increasingly used as a dining table, but this is a trend that causes problems for employers and staff alike. While stress at work is often inevitable, it can be mitigated by taking a proper break. Without one, employees risk taking their stress home with them instead.
“The convenience of workplace canteens can provide this environment for a break and a good meal. Our report reveals that using technology to respond to demands for speed and convenience can both improve the lunch break experience and help canteens attract more custom”
