Making the Case for Vegan and Vegetarian Options at Work
Why Plant-Based Diets Matter in Today’s Workplace
Hey, HR leaders and Workplace managers—let’s talk numbers. Veganism’s up to 7% of U.S. adults, and 12% are dabbling in vegetarian or flexitarian diets, says Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future and Vegetarian Resource Group. Zoom in on Millennials and Gen Z—30% of 18- to 34-year-olds are all about plant-based diets, per NielsenIQ 2024. That’s your talent pool, folks. These aren’t just food quirks; they’re lifestyle choices tied to health, ethics, and the planet. Ignore them, and you could unintentionally be telling a chunk of your team they don’t matter.
The Rise of Vegan and Vegetarian Employees
This isn’t a niche trend—it’s mainstream. While some corporate catering services still lag on vegan meal options, leaving employees frustrated. I’ve seen it myself at a previous employer: a vegan colleague once brought her own lunch to every meeting because the catered stuff was a meat-fest. That’s not just inconvenient—it’s also very isolating.
The Inclusion Imperative for HR
Inclusion isn’t just a buzzword; it’s your retention lifeline. Gallup’s 2024 data shows employees at “highly inclusive” companies are 2.1 times more satisfied. Food’s a sneaky way to show you get it. When you roll out vegetarian workplace lunch ideas, you’re not just feeding bodies—you’re saying, “We see you.” Unique spin? Think of meals as mini culture audits. If your spread’s all steak and no substance, you’re flunking the vibe check.
The Big Hurdles to Feeding Everyone
Let’s be real—feeding employees with dietary restrictions isn’t a cakewalk. You’ve got hurdles, and they’re not small. But knowing what’s tripping you up is half the battle.
Vendor Struggles and Cost Myths
Finding vendors who have significant vegan options can feel like chasing a ghost. Many places lean hard into meat, leaving plant-based as an afterthought. And the cost? Folks assume vegan means $$$—but that is not typically the case.
Avoiding the “Boring Salad” Trap
Here’s where most flop: offering a sad salad and calling it a day. Employees want flavor, not punishment. A Reddit thread from 2023 griped about a “hummus wrap” so bland it was dubbed “baby food.” Your vegan and veggie crew deserves better—think spicy jackfruit tacos or creamy cashew pasta. Our take? Bland options aren’t a miss; they’re a signal you’re not trying.
Smart Strategies to Feed Vegan and Vegetarian Staff
You’ve got this, HR champs. Here’s how to nail inclusive employee meal planning without losing your mind.
Step 1: Know Your Team’s Needs
Start with a survey—takes 5 minutes, saves headaches. Ask: “Vegan? Veggie? Flexitarian? Gluten-free? Other food allergies?” Companies that polled their staff, cut food complaints by a significant amount. Pro tip: Anonymize it—folks open up more.
Step 2: Curate a Killer Restaurant List
Opt for eateries that shine at best vegan catering for corporate events. Local gems often outdo big chains—think a fast casual vegan spot with killer falafel. Our concierge team at Sharebite can help with this, so you won’t have to worry.
Step 3: Tech Hacks for Simple Ordering
Tech’s your friend. Platforms like Sharebite let employees pick their own vegetarian or vegan team lunch options. By doing this, you dodge the “who’s eating what” chaos and everyone gets exactly what they want.
The Payoff: Why It’s Worth the Effort
This isn’t just warm fuzzies—it’s smart business.
Happier Teams, Stronger Retention
Happy eaters stick around. LinkedIn’s 2024 survey says 68% of pros weigh perks like food before jumping ship. Nail plant-based and vegetarian meal programs, and you’re golden. A Forbes piece noted vegan-friendly firms saw morale spikes—obviously, people love being considered.
Health and Planet Wins
Healthier diets, fewer sick days—win-win. The American Heart Association ties plant-based eating to lower chronic disease risk. Plus, most companies are chasing sustainability goals and sustainable eating via veggie meals fits that bill. Our angle? It can be your secret weapon for ESG bragging rights, if that’s your thing.
Feeding Employees Isn’t Just Logistics
It’s your opportunity to shine as an HR or workplace leader. With vegan and vegetarian diets on the rise (6% and 12% of adults, respectively), you can’t afford to sideline these folks. The hurdles? Real, but beatable with Sharebite. The payoff? Happier teams, better retention, and a nod to employee wellness that screams “we get it.”
Here’s your next move: request a demo with Sharebite and learn how we can create a meal program that works for everyone.