"The competition over who does lunch best isn't confined to the office. At Meta's Manhattan office, employees line up for Mediterranean lamb loaded with mint and pomegranate molasses and dessert options like cassis and pear mousse. At KKR's headquarters nearby, staff at the private equity firm order from a rotating lunch menu and have access to a full-service barista counter and a smoothie and juice bar."
"Against a backdrop of widespread corporate austerity, at Big Tech, hedge funds, and A-list companies, the office cafeteria is the last great workplace indulgence. The "hardcore era" of layoffs, tightened performance standards, and demands for more productivity from leaner teams has continued into 2026. Many companies are cutting back on wellness perks like gym memberships, stipends for work travel, and meals consumed on a worker's own time. Free lunch is one of the few perks that's not only surviving, but growing."
Companies across tech, finance, and other industries increasingly provide free, upscale on-site lunches as a strategic workplace perk. Office cafeterias now offer Mediterranean lamb, rotating menus, barista counters, and juice bars to entice employees. Free meals deliver immediate morale boosts, encourage in-person attendance and longer on-site hours, and foster cross-team interaction. Many other perks — gym memberships, travel stipends, and personal-time meal reimbursements — are being reduced amid austerity and layoffs. Caterers report corporate catering has become a primary revenue source. Employers view regular, visible meal benefits as a cost-effective alternative to higher compensation.
Read at Business Insider
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