Compass Group, the leading global food and facility management services provider, in partnership with Mintel, has unveiled key findings from The Power of Socialisation survey, revealing that food is becoming a central catalyst for social connection in today’s workplaces.
Covering 21 countries, including India, and spanning sectors such as Business & Industry, Healthcare, Education, Sports & Leisure, and Defence, the study shows that 78% of Gen Z employees highly value work environments that foster meaningful relationships. Alarmingly, 54% would consider quitting a job due to loneliness. Only 29% of Gen Z feel aligned with their company’s mission in environments lacking social interaction, emphasizing the urgent need to integrate natural social moments within daily work life.
In hybrid and high-stress settings, thoughtfully designed food spaces—ranging from vibrant cafés to curated micro-markets and coffee bars—are becoming vital hubs for conversation, creativity, and collaboration. These spaces transform breaks into essential moments of reconnection, whether it’s casual chats over coffee or team bonding during healthy lunches.
Vikas Chawla, Managing Director of Compass Group India, stated, “This report confirms that workplace culture impacts both retention and performance. Employees who feel socially connected are more engaged and aligned with organisational goals. In contrast, only 14% of employees in non-social workplaces see themselves staying long-term.”
Compass Group is responding by creating immersive food environments such as wellness-focused counters and inviting café-style coffee bars that encourage spontaneous interactions and support a healthy, purpose-driven culture. Food also plays a key role in hobby clubs and breakout zones through themed snack stations and beverage counters, enhancing employee engagement.
Manika Awasthi, Chief People Officer at Compass Group India, added, “The future workplace must be deeply social. Gen Z and Millennials seek more than salary—they want environments that nurture interaction, collaboration, and well-being. Organisations that prioritize social connectivity through food will benefit from higher engagement, innovation, and retention.”
Today’s workforce—especially Gen Z and Millennials—crave connection beyond compensation. Organisations that intentionally foster social interaction will gain a more engaged, innovative, and loyal workforce.