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In today’s workplace, bringing people together isn’t always straightforward. Between packed calendars, back-to-back Zoom calls and hybrid working patterns, simply getting everyone in the same room can feel like organising a small festival.
Yet there’s one tried-and-tested solution that never fails: food.
At Sofood!, we’ve seen first-hand how the right catering transforms work events from obligatory diary entries into genuinely enjoyable experiences. Here’s why catering plays such a powerful role in uniting teams.
Food Gives People a Reason to Come Together
Let’s be honest. An all-hands meeting at 4pm on a Thursday? Attendance might be… selective.
Add a beautifully presented buffet, artisan sandwiches or a grazing table and suddenly calendars clear.
Food acts as a natural incentive. It turns “I suppose I should attend” into “What time does it start?”
More importantly, it creates a shared focal point. Instead of arriving, sitting down and waiting for the agenda to begin, guests gather around the food, spark conversations and ease into the event organically.
Encourages Informal Interaction
Formal meetings have their place. But real connections often happen in the in-between moments.
When people queue for coffee or compare what’s on their plates, conversations flow naturally:
• “Have you tried the Mini Yorkshires?”
• “That dessert is dangerous… I’m going back for another one”
• “I didn’t know you worked in that department!”
These small interactions build familiarity. And familiarity builds stronger working relationships. Catering creates these touchpoints without forcing awkward icebreakers or team-building exercises that everyone pretends to enjoy.
Breaks Down Hierarchies Between Teams and Roles
At a catered event, everyone stands in the same queue.
The managing director and the newest recruit are both deciding between the mini quiche or the wrap. Food levels the playing field.
Sharing a meal humanises colleagues. It’s much easier to chat to senior leadership while holding a cup of coffee than across a boardroom table with a PowerPoint presentation looming in the background.
By softening perceived hierarchies, catering encourages cross-team dialogue and a more collaborative culture.
Creates a Relaxed, Social Atmosphere
Without food, a work event can feel transactional:
• Arrive
• Sit
• Listen
• Leave
Add catering, and it becomes experiential.
People mingle. They move around the space. They laugh. The atmosphere shifts from “meeting mode” to something more social and inclusive. Even serious topics land better when the environment feels welcoming rather than rigid.
A thoughtfully curated menu also signals care. It shows that the company values its team enough to invest in quality catering rather than ticking a box.
Increases Attendance and Engagement
Here’s a simple truth: people are more likely to show up when food is involved.
Whether it’s a product launch, training session, networking event or staff celebration, catering increases both attendance and enthusiasm. It demonstrates that the event matters.
And when people stay longer, talk more and feel comfortable, the objectives of the event are far more likely to be achieved.
Catering Turns Events Into Experiences
In a hybrid world where many interactions are screen-based, in-person moments matter more than ever. Catering transforms those moments.
At Sofood!, we believe great corporate catering isn’t just about feeding people. It’s about creating an environment where colleagues connect naturally and businesses strengthen from the inside out.
So the next time you’re planning a work event, ask yourself: do you want it to be another meeting… or an experience people actually look forward to?
If you’re ready to bring your team together, Sofood! is here to help make it happen - deliciously.