Eating Out vs. Food Delivery at the Office: Which Is Best for Employees?

Pros and Cons of Dining Out During Work Hours

Stepping out of the office for a meal can feel like a much-needed break, but is it always the best choice?

Let's explore the pros and cons of dining out to see when it makes sense and when food delivery for the office might be a better fit.

Mental Refresh

Stepping away from screens and emails, even for a short time, helps reduce stress and improve focus. A proper office break allows employees to return to work feeling more energized, which can lead to better performance throughout the day.

However, long waits at the restaurant or travel time can cut into this relaxation, sometimes making takeout or corporate catering a more practical choice. 

Team Building and Socialization

A team lunch at a local restaurant can strengthen relationships among employees. Sitting down for a meal outside the usual work setting encourages casual conversations, and contributes to a positive company culture. 

This is especially beneficial for teams that work remotely or in hybrid models and don’t often get face-to-face time. However, not all employees may feel comfortable dining out frequently, especially if they have dietary restrictions or budget concerns. Offering workplace meals, such as subsidized food delivery, can ensure that everyone has access to a meal option that works for them.

Time Constraints

One of the biggest drawbacks of dinning out is the time it takes. Between choosing a restaurant, commuting, waiting for a table, and getting served, an hour-long lunch break can disappear quickly. For busy professionals, this can create unnecessary stress and even lead to skipped meals. 

In contrast, food delivery services allow employees to enjoy their meal without disrupting their schedule, making then a more cost-effective meal planning strategy for companies looking to support both productivity and well-being. 

Weather and Logistics

No one enjoys walking to a restaurant in the rain or standing in long lines during the lunch rush hours. Weather conditions and unpredictable service times can turn a simple business lunch into an inconvenient experience.

On the other hand, restaurant delivery and food delivery for office setups provide a reliable alternative, ensuring that employees can still enjoy quality meals without dealing with external disruptions.

Pros and Cons of Ordering Food to Work

Ordering food delivery for the office has become a popular alternative to dining out. With a few clicks, employees can have their favorite meals delivered, eliminating the need to step away from their desks.

While restaurant delivery provides clear advantages, there are also downsides. Let's dive into the pros and cons of food delivery at work and how it impacts employee meals, workplace culture, and overall productivity.

Time-Saving Efficiency

One of the biggest advantages of food delivery is the time saved. Instead of commuting to a restaurant and waiting for a table, employees can have their meals brought straight to them. This means more time for a proper break, a productive working lunch, or a moment to recharge before jumping back into tasks. 

Plus, ordering from food delivery services can help companies create a more efficient lunch system that doesn't cut into valuable work hours. 

Team Building and Socialization

Just like dinning out, ordering food to work can also foster social connections. A shared meal in the office, whether it's through corporate catering or a group order, creates an opportunity for employees to bond. 

Team members can enjoy lunch together without the logistical hassles of leaving the office and finding a table that fits everybody. Companies that organize team lunches or provide subsidized meals for employees make workplace dining a more inclusive and enjoyable experience, reinforcing a positive company culture.

Variety at Your Fingertips

With food delivery services, employees have access to a broader selection of meals than they might find near the office. Whether it's healthy options, international cuisine, or quick cost-effective meals, delivery allows employees to adapt their choices to dietary needs and preferences.

Cost Control

For companies looking to support their teams without overspending, food delivery for office setups can be a smart financial decision. Businesses can negotiate bulk order discounts, set up meal planning options, or even offer subsidized meals to help employees with their lunch expenses. 

Delivery Fees

While ordering food to the office is convenient, the added cost of delivery fees can be a downside. These charges, combined with service fees and tips, can make regular restaurant delivery an expensive habit for employees. Some companies offset this by covering part of the cost or using corporate catering services to provide bulk orders at a lower price.

However, services like Picnic help eliminate this issue by delivering multiple orders to the same location at once. With Picnic, companies save on fees while ensuring couriers are paid fairly—no extra costs for employees or businesses.

Which Option is Right for Your Workplace?

Deciding between food delivery vs. dining out for office meals depends on several factors, including company size, location, budget, and employee needs. There isn't a single answer, what works for a small startup in a city center may not be ideal for a large corporation in a suburban area. 

Company’s Size

A company's size directly impacts meal planning. Smaller teams might find it easy to coordinate team lunches at nearby restaurants, but for larger organizations, finding a space that accommodates everyone can be challenging. In these cases, food delivery for office setups or corporate catering can ensure that employees get their meals without logistical hassles.

Location

Location also plays a big role in determining the best lunch options. If an office is surrounded by restaurants within walking distance, dining out can be a welcome break from work. However, in areas with limited food choices, restaurant delivery and takeout become more practical. This is especially relevant in business districts, where long wait times and crowded lunch spots can make leaving the office inefficient.

Company Culture

Beyond logistics, company culture shapes how businesses approach workplace meals. Organizations that prioritize team building may benefit from regular group lunches, whether at restaurants or through subsidized meal programs. Research from DoorDash for Business found that employees receiving meal benefits report a 91% satisfaction rate, compared to 78% for those without benefits.

The Best of Both Worlds: A Hybrid Approach

Rather than choosing between food delivery or dining out, many companies are embracing a hybrid approach that combines the best of both worlds. A balanced strategy could involve providing food delivery for office on busier workdays, while encouraging team lunches or restaurant dining for social and networking opportunities.

Services like Picnic can make this even easier by ensuring affordable and efficient workplace meals without extra delivery fees. 

Whether it's a working lunch, a quick takeout order, or a planned business lunch, giving employees the flexibility to switch between food delivery services and in-person dining can be a cost-effective meal planning solution that benefits both employees and businesses.

Creating a Positive Meal Experience for Your Team

Providing meals at work it's also about creating an experience that supports employee satisfaction, improves company culture, and enhances overall well-being. Here's how companies can make that happen:

1. Understand team preferences: Employees have different meal habits. Some prefer the flexibility of food delivery services, while others enjoy dining out for a break. Running a quick survey or offering a mix of takeout, corporate catering, and team lunches helps meet everyone's needs. 
2. Make it convenient: Choosing efficient food delivery for office solutions like Picnic ensures employees get their meals on time. Subsidized meals or cost-effective meal plans also make lunch easier and more accessible.
3. Offer variety and quality: Relying on a single provider can lead to meal fatigue, so rotating the menu or planning occasional restaurant dining keeps things fresh and enjoyable. 
4. Foster social connection: Mealtimes are a great opportunity for team building. Even when employees opt for food delivery, companies can create designated spaces for shared meals, maintaining a sense of community.

Upgrade Your Office Meal Program with Picnic

A great workplace meal experience it's about convenience, flexibility, and making sure employees actually enjoy their lunch breaks. The great news is that Picnic can help you with that. 

Unlike traditional food delivery services, Picnic is designed specifically for offices, ensuring fresh, delicious meals arrive on time, without extra fees or logistical headaches. Ready to make office meals simple, cost-effective, and actually enjoyable? 

Try Picnic today and see how easy it is to create a seamless meal experience for your team. Get started here!