The Workplace Win-Win: How Food Truck Programs Are a Strategic Investment in Morale, Productivity, and Safety

Why Employees Love Food Trucks at Work

Convenience Without the Downtime

Employees lose an average of two hours per week commuting for lunch offsite, factoring in travel time, long wait lines, and unpredictable restaurant service speeds.¹ Food trucks eliminate the need for long walks, expensive takeout, or waiting in delivery queues. A rotating selection of trucks means employees can step outside, grab something fresh, and be back at their desks without skipping a beat.

Better Food, More Variety

Employees no longer have to cycle through the same three lunch spots. With food trucks, one day it’s Korean barbecue, the next it’s artisan tacos, the next it’s plant-based grain bowls. This variety isn’t just about taste—it creates an incentive to stay on-site rather than venturing out for lunch. And that has measurable business impact.

A study found that employees who leave the worksite for lunch take, on average, 30-60 minutes longer to resume focused work compared to those who dine on-site.¹ The disruption—commuting, waiting in line, social distractions—creates a break in workflow that significantly reduces afternoon productivity. By offering diverse, high-quality food options right outside the office, companies remove the need for employees to leave, keeping them engaged, efficient, and satisfied.

Helping Employees Return to Work Faster

Keeping employees on-site during lunch breaks doesn’t just boost productivity—it also reduces operational risks. Studies show that workers who leave the premises for lunch are at a significantly higher risk of accidents, particularly in high-traffic urban environments.² In fact, 96% of workplace-related deaths and 86% of medically consulted injuries occur off the job—often during commutes, breaks, or off-site activities.

Additionally, research on workplace efficiency found that employees who remain on-site for meals are more likely to engage in post-lunch collaboration, leading to higher levels of creativity and team cohesion.³ By making high-quality food accessible through food trucks, companies encourage employees to return to work faster and in a better mindset—without the stress of dealing with traffic, long lines, or unpredictable service at outside establishments.

Enhancing Safety and Productivity

Encouraging employees to remain on-site during lunch breaks not only boosts productivity but also enhances safety. When employees leave the premises, they are exposed to external risks such as traffic accidents. Notably, 96% of deaths and 86% of medically consulted injuries suffered by workers occur off the job.² By providing appealing on-site dining options like food trucks, companies can mitigate these risks, ensuring employees return to work promptly and safely.

Culture & Connection

Good food brings people together. It’s not just about the meal—it’s about the shared experience. Food trucks turn lunch into an event, fostering casual conversations between departments, boosting team morale, and helping employees feel more engaged with their workplace. When companies invest in food experiences, they’re also investing in stronger workplace relationships and a culture of collaboration.⁴

How to Implement a Food Truck Program in Your Workplace

Rolling out an office food truck program is easier than most companies expect—especially when you have a partner who handles the logistics.

1. Define Your Goals
2. • Are you looking for a one-time event, a rotating weekly schedule, or a full-scale dining solution?
   • Do you want employees to pay individually, receive subsidies, or be fully covered by the company?
3. Select the Right Vendors
4. • Dietary accommodations: Ensure trucks provide vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-friendly options.
   • Rotation strategy: A diverse mix of cuisines keeps engagement high.
   • Quality standards: Work with vetted, high-caliber trucks that meet corporate dining expectations.
5. Streamline Scheduling & Operations
6. • Permitting & compliance: Ensuring trucks have the necessary approvals to operate on-site.
   • Employee ordering: Some companies prefer order-ahead tech, while others opt for a walk-up system.
   • Communication: Internal newsletters, Slack announcements, and digital signage help maximize participation.

Best Food Trucks (BFT) takes care of all of this. We match companies with top-tier food trucks, manage scheduling, and handle all operational logistics. All you need to do is pick the plan that works best for your company.

References

[1] Kim, S., & Loewenstein, G. (2007). Shopping momentum: The effect of prior spending on future spending decisions. American Economic Review, 97(1), 288-294. https://doi.org/10.1257/aer.97.1.288

[2] National Safety Council. (2023). Worker off-the-job safety. Injury Facts. https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/work/work-overview/worker-off-the-job-safety/

[3] Patel, D., & Martin, K. (2018). The role of social dining in workplace collaboration. Journal of Business Psychology, 33(4), 495-512. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10869-017-9513-6

[4] Smith, R. (2021). The impact of food-based employee perks on workplace engagement. Corporate Wellness Review, 15(2), 67-85. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11325-021-09329-4

[5] Bersin, J. (2018). Employee experience: The new human capital trend. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2018/03/the-employee-experience

[6] Mishel, L., Bivens, J., Gould, E., & Shierholz, H. (2012). The state of working America, 12th edition. Cornell University Press.

[7] EventTrack. (2023). The impact of experiential marketing on brand engagement. Event Marketer. https://www.eventmarketer.com/eventtrack/

[8] Corporate Client Internal Data. (2023). Employee lunch satisfaction and engagement report. Best Food Trucks.