4 Food Trends Changing the Future of the Office

Food trends such as buying local, healthy yet indulgent snacks, and creating bonding experiences will be an essential part of the future office workplace in our post-pandemic world.
by
Jelena Leung
March 25, 2022

Future of the Office

Adaptation has made us, as humans, what we are today. Over the past couple of years, collectively we have had to adapt and pivot to how we live, how we work. Luckily, there is light at the end of the proverbial tunnel and we are returning to a state of normalcy once again.

Yet, these societal changes have brought about a fascinating evolution, particularly regarding the workplace environment and the future of the office. The most innovative organizations now believe there must be an emphasis on redesigning the office milieu. 

A prime example of the future of the office is Microsoft’s sprawling 495,000 square foot campus in Herzliya, Israel which the company opened in late 2020. Despite being at the height of the WFH model, Microsoft recognized the need for an evolution in the office workspace. 

The Herzliya Campus epitomizes the notion that the future office workspace must be flexible and inclusive, allowing every team member the ability to seamlessly modify any given area depending on their needs.   

Food Trends

A fundamental component to the future of the office is food. Regardless of our myriad differences as human beings, food plays an important role in each of our lives. Food unites us all and holds the potential to bring us closer together.

As we move back to a semblance of normalcy, workplace food perks will play a critical role in incentivizing employees to return to the office. Fostering a company culture empathetic of the varying needs and concerns of each team member will be key to its success. 

Providing healthy snacks and office meals is a vital element to employee engagement and overall job satisfaction. Offering team lunches affords employees the chance to not only unwind but gives people the opportunity to establish a meaningful rapport with fellow team members. Ultimately, a happy workforce is a productive workforce. A perfect way is treating your employees to a delicious meal through your Ritual for Companies account.

Food Trends 2021

Food trends in 2021 basically set the course for the future of the office as we position ourselves for the post-pandemic world. Some of the most significant trends regarding food included:

  • Buying local 
  • Plant-based and vegan ingredients
  • Practical foods high in things like probiotic dietary fiber
  • Healthy but indulgent snacks
  • An increased reduction in sugar intake
  • Creating bonding experiences with food

The Latest Online Food Trends

Technology has made it easier to share our love of food, and inspire new ideas regarding what's possible with food. As business owners and food lovers, why not celebrate this by exploring the latest online food trends? 

Over the past couple of years, TikTok has dominated much of the cultural zeitgeist. It's unsurprising, then, that TikTok food trends have gone viral on social media and have inspired many to rethink their favorite foods. From curious food combinations to brilliant kitchen hacks, these are some of the most famous food trends buzzing online:

Baked Feta Pasta - With only six ingredients and taking less than half an hour to make from start to finish, it’s no surprise this simple dish has attained legendary status.

Salmon Rice Bowl - This food trend has truly gone viral on TikTok, garnering tens of millions of views for its original creator, Emily Mariko. It’s an easy and healthy way to incorporate a number of leftovers into a satisfying meal.

Pasta Chips - With 1.1 billion views on TikTok and counting, that essentially sums up the popularity of this food trend on the platform. Rather than simply putting sauce on that cooked pasta, innovative TikTokers are finding a creative new way to enjoy this staple - namely adding olive oil, seasoning, and cheese, then popping the pasta into the oven until they become crunchy. Another bonus with this TikTok food trend is that pasta chips are delicious with a wide range of dipping sauces.

The offices of the future would do well to embrace these hot food trends. As we return to the office, let's relish in our passion for food by experimenting with the latest trends and recipe ideas. Bringing fun, creative, and exciting new foods to the office is a great way to inspire conversation, spark collaborative energy, and motivate your team to think outside the box. 

Food Trends Cooking Recipe

Another incredibly popular of the TikTok food trends is pesto eggs. This creative way of cooking eggs takes the breakfast staple to another level. Originally posted by TikTok user Amy Wilichowski, rather than butter, margarine, or oil, add a tablespoon of pesto to a frying pan before cracking a couple of eggs. 

Once the eggs are sufficiently cooked in the pesto, Wilichowski plated the pesto eggs with toast, avocado, ricotta cheese, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and a drizzle of honey for good measure.

Current Food Trends

Undeniably, the pandemic has changed every aspect of society, including food. As we bravely transition into life in the “new normal”, there are current food trends that will likely take hold in 2022 and beyond.

Collectively, we have experienced a tremendous amount of change over the past couple of years that has impacted every aspect of life; from the types of food we eat to the way people work. Yet, through it all one constant has remained - food has fostered a sense of togetherness the world over.

The post-pandemic model of the office may look a little different, perhaps in ways we can't yet imagine. But to be certain, food will play an essential role in the workplace of the future. Whether it be readily accessible healthy snacks for employees or company lunches as a gesture of gratitude to all team members.

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Jelena Leung
Jelena is the Senior Director of Marketing at Ritual. Her expertise in marketing strategy and execution has spurred the growth of the many businesses and teams that she has worked with. As a marketing leader with more than 14 years of experience, she has obtained valuable knowledge and insights about marketing in the restaurant industry. She occasionally writes about the topics of human resources, restaurant marketing, employee retention, team building, and more.
Jelena Leung
Jelena is the Senior Director of Marketing at Ritual. Her expertise in marketing strategy and execution has spurred the growth of the many businesses and teams that she has worked with. As a marketing leader with more than 14 years of experience, she has obtained valuable knowledge and insights about marketing in the restaurant industry. She occasionally writes about the topics of human resources, restaurant marketing, employee retention, team building, and more.