How Food Is Shaping the Future of Work: Compass Group’s Global Study Reveals Gen Z’s Need for Social Connection

Bengaluru: As Gen Z becomes the dominant force in the global workforce, a new study by Compass Group in collaboration with Mintel reveals that food and social interaction are emerging as key drivers of workplace satisfaction, employee engagement, and retention. The groundbreaking global study, The Power of Socialisation, surveyed employees across 21 countries including India and uncovered a compelling shift: 78% of Gen Z employees value social connectivity at work, and more than half would consider quitting if they felt lonely on the job.

In India’s fast-paced professional landscape, where hybrid models, high workloads, and digital fatigue dominate, these findings offer a timely wake-up call. The keyword is clear: social connectivity at work is no longer a perk—it’s a necessity.

The Workplace Is Evolving—and Food Is Leading the Change

Food has always had the power to bring people together, but in today’s corporate setting, it’s becoming an intentional design element to boost morale and foster collaboration. Compass Group’s study highlights that only 29% of Gen Z employees feel connected to their company’s mission in unsocial environments, emphasizing the need for workplaces to encourage interaction through curated food experiences.

Across industries such as Business & Industry, Healthcare, Education, Sports & Leisure, and even Defence and Remote operations, companies are increasingly investing in vibrant cafés, wellness-focused food counters, and beautifully designed coffee bars. These are more than just places to grab a bite—they’re becoming social hubs that encourage spontaneous conversation, creative problem-solving, and cross-functional bonding.

Loneliness at Work Is a Real Threat

The study uncovered a startling reality—54% of employees said they would leave their jobs due to workplace loneliness. Vikas Chawla, Managing Director of Compass Group India, pointed out, “Only 14% of employees in non-social workplaces see themselves staying long-term. This study proves that workplaces designed to foster interactions lead to happier, more engaged, and more productive employees.”

The need to reimagine workspaces is not just about aesthetics but about mental and emotional well-being. Food-driven environments, combined with hobby zones like music rooms, reading circles, and gaming parlors, are proving to be powerful antidotes to workplace isolation. With coffee bars now doubling as gathering spots—styled like local cafés with ambient lighting and cozy seating—the humble coffee break is being rebranded as a daily ritual of reconnection.

Gen Z and Millennials Crave Purpose, Not Just Paychecks

Manika Awasthi, Chief People Officer at Compass Group India, noted that modern employees are looking for more than just salaries and titles. “The future of work is deeply social. Our responsibility goes beyond metrics—we must create spaces of belonging and purpose. Structured breaks lead to 52% higher workplace happiness. That’s data-backed proof that investing in culture pays off.”

This is especially true for younger generations, who are re-evaluating what work means to them. For Gen Z, company culture and emotional connection matter just as much as compensation. Employers who don’t prioritise this shift risk higher attrition and disengagement.

Compass Group India: Leading the Movement

In response to these insights, Compass Group India is redesigning how food is integrated into office spaces. With immersive café concepts, snack stations in hobby clubs, and wellness kitchens, the company is pioneering a future where food fuels both bodies and bonds.

In a nation like India, contributing over 7% to global GDP and boasting a 500-million-strong workforce, the way companies engage employees is undergoing a paradigm shift. By making social connection part of the daily rhythm—especially through food—Compass Group is helping shape workplaces that are inclusive, inspiring, and built for the future.