EP Food Service Action Issue

OPERATING CONCEPTS RESEARCH REPORT
n Two thirds of employees reported that
long hours and a presenteeism culture was
a chief reason for changing jobs
n Stagnant career development was
criticised by three-in-five employees
n Only half said their job lives up
to expectations
Therefore talent retention and
understanding the reasons why someone
leaves a company must be prioritised. The
research also showed that the single most
important and influential factor for all
employees is trust in management.
n Just over half felt their managers involved
them in decisions that affected them
n Less than half trusted their managers
n Only 30 per cent regarded changes at their
company as progressive and delivering any
lasting improvement
n 75 per cent top end talent (degree level
and above) leave their company within the
first two years
These show that knowledge work is about
being motivated by the work environment,
the people and the product or service. It
also shows there is a lack of trust in leaders
and this lack can impact business creation
and cooperation.
Fuelling with food
The latest scientific evidence is now showing
that to fuel brain power demands, eating
frequent small meals is the best way to
maintain its energy levels and effectiveness.
Knowledge workers have an extensive
reliance on using technology which means
a more sedentary work style. Therefore
striking the right balance of frequent food
and drink provision with a healthy dietary
balance is essential.
n Just a quarter of knowledge workers state
they are well catered for by their organisation
n 47 per cent regard variety in catering
as important
n 37 per cent feel energised after breakfast
or lunch
The report argues that dehydration causes
reduced vigilance and working memory, as
well as tension, anxiety and fatigue. Obesity
is also a significant predictor of short and
long-term absenteeism and employees
gaining weight as a result of the food offer
in the workplace can over the radar.
Rethinking the workplace
With knowledge share, it may no longer
matter how, where and when you work, it is
about the outcomes achieved.
n Workers want to be involved and consulted
about the design and configuration of their
workplace
n Over a third state their workplace enables
them to work effectively
n Demand for greater choice about
work locations especially as work can be
undertaken from any location – trekking into
a central HQ no longer makes sense and can
rapidly detract from their quality of life
Noise was also considered in the report
to be an important factor for improving
productivity. Complaints included:
n Speech privacy
n High noise levels
n Distraction of overheard conversations
n A third stated access to quiet spaces
was important
Improving lighting
n Just under half stated that limited
access to daylight and good lighting was a
disruptive factor
n Eyestrain was cited as one of the biggest
health challenges with efficiency dropping
Natural light improves mental clarity,
better vision, together with a decrease in
headaches and migraines.
Sodexo’s results have put much needed light
on some of the biggest challenges facing the
sector. Employees that feel energised by their
work, valued by their organisation, happy
in their environment and appropriately
nourished are more productive. The nature of
work is rapidly changing and Martin and his
team’s powerful results are ones which many
organisations should seriously consider.
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