As approaches to employee well-being evolve, organisations increasingly recognise nutrition’s impact on productivity and talent retention. Research validates what science has long shown – an optimal diet nourishes both the body and mind.
A recent Deliveroo study found 82 percent of employers citing food as pivotal for retaining top talent, underscoring its strategic role amid tight labour markets. With hybrid models merging professional and personal lives, nourishment directly shapes daily performance and overall wellness.
Clinical research endorses mindfulness around eating aligned with circadian rhythms to maximise cognitive function. A “MIND diet” emphasising whole foods like lean proteins, vegetables, nuts and seeds plus healthy fats and oils enhances focus, memory and metabolic well-being versus convenience options heavier in additives compromising energy.
“As a significant portion of our day is spent in the office, the food choices we make during work hours inherently impact our well-being,” Clinical Dietitian, Fitness Instructor and Sports Nutritionist at Dubai’s Burjeel Hospital, Danya Nasser Al Atrash, told Arabian Business.
“Trust me, making these adjustments can lead to an improved sense of well-being and enhance your performance at work.”
Busy Dubai-based professionals have increasingly relied on food delivery rather than grocery shopping and home-cooked meals in recent years. However, the pandemic accelerated a shift toward healthier lifestyles, with restaurants and cafes broadening nutritious options.
This growing health consciousness extends beyond diets. Companies now prioritise employee well-being, implementing strategies to support mental health more proactively.
As workplaces aim to cultivate more meaningful experiences, employers seeking top talent increasingly emphasise multi-dimensional wellness alongside compensation. Forward-thinking organisations recognise how nourishing staff physically and emotionally strengthens workplace culture, job satisfaction, and long-term success – starting each day energised to fulfil their purpose.
Recognising this trend, Deliveroo launched a business catering service to fill the market gap. The company understood leading workplaces make balanced choices conveniently accessible for varied schedules and preferences, promoting healthy living.
Deliveroo for Work recommends diverse menus from local favourites including shareable platters and single-serve wellness combos. An intuitive digital platform streamlines multi-department orders while consolidated billing saves substantial resources and administrative work.
The platform allows companies to provide various food delivery options through a single, simplified interface. With exclusive corporate rates and consolidated monthly billing, businesses reduce administrative tasks and upfront costs compared to traditional catering. A dedicated account manager also supports customised programming for events, employee engagement surveys and nutritional guidance.
According to Francis Henderson, Head of Deliveroo for Work Middle East, “companies of all sizes and industries” have adopted the service, seeing fastest growth in tech, consulting, finance and legal – knowledge sectors where employees increasingly demand wellness benefits matching compensation in today’s increasingly mobile market.
“Throughout history, food has united people, fostering community and belonging,” Henderson told Arabian Business. “High-quality food improves employee happiness and well-being, boosting workforce productivity and motivation.”
Henderson noted Deliveroo for Work saw “significant growth” last month due to rising workplace service demand, indicating businesses recognise the role food can play in employee motivation and productivity.
Corporate focus on wellness
“As a significant portion of our day is spent in the office, the food choices we make during work hours inherently impact our well-being,” said Al Atrash.
Productivity is so crucial for business success and employee well-being plays a huge role in maintaining it. A recent report found that low employee well-being could cost businesses $322 billion globally due to increased turnover and decreased productivity. The World Health Organisation estimates that depression and anxiety lead to the loss of approximately 12 billion working days every year and that this lost productivity results in an average annual cost of $1 trillion for the global economy.
Improving employee well-being can go a long way towards boosting productivity and reducing costs associated with mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
Holistic care extends beyond the cafeteria – workplace wellness champions integrate movement, mindfulness and education into daily routines. Brief exercises between tasks uplift circulation while educational seminars raise nutritional comprehension for better lifestyle choices off the clock. Regular health screenings uncover early risk factors, and Happiness Committees crowdsource new program ideas to continuously engage remote individuals.
Recent data from the McKinsey Health Institute outlined the importance of employee well-being in GCC countries Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE and Qatar. It found that two-thirds of 4,000 respondents reported systems of poor mental health or had been previously diagnosed with a mental health condition. In addition, one in three said they experienced burnout symptoms and over 60 percent said they had faced at least one mental or physical health challenge in their life.
Locally born respondents reported higher rates of poor mental and physical health compared to expatriate employees, further highlighting the importance for companies to focus initiatives to better support employee health and promote wellness.
“We now recognise the significance of prioritising not only physical health but also mental and spiritual wellness. These aspects collectively influence work productivity and overall life quality,” said Al Atrash. With demand only growing for health-driven employers, those seeking top talent would be wise to keep this holistic view top of mind – starting with what fuels their people each and every day.
Naturally, well-intentioned food programs must consider potential diet restrictions, cultural tastes, and budgetary realities to benefit all. The key is effective communication and strategic planning according to Al Atrash, who advocates regular employee health initiatives at both private firms and government bodies.
She emphasises the lasting positive impact on job satisfaction through “small yet meaningful changes,” such as brief exercise breaks, education sessions, and periodic health screenings in addition to nourishing food resources.
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