Fuelling productivity - Food services does have an important role to play in 2023

When Fuelling productivity was first launched, the idea originated with Bob Cotton challenging the sector at an EP conference in 2017 to build a stronger message for itself; that food services does play such an important role in daily life and this needed highlighting.

The argument at the time was straightforward. The fall in productivity and work cultures was a major issue and food service could play a positive role in combating this as well as other major issues such as well-being, obesity and improving social interaction. The sector has long had a strong argument to make and the counter argument was always how can it all be measured?

The landscape has changed with the pandemic and the cost of living crisis but the argument is arguably even more important today. Food service has such an important role to play in working with companies on the cost of living crisis, on well –being, nutrition and in building strong social interaction.

One of the consistent themes in feedback is that many come back to offices for social interaction and this is centred around events and food service. The argument for the importance of the role to be played is stronger than ever and more central.

The narrative will naturally evolve and change. Companies are acutely aware of the challenges which many of their employees are facing and want to be supportive. Research suggests that over 60% of employees are concerned about their financial situation and this is not just those on low pay levels. Over 20% of employees are expected to be seeking new positons which can bring them more security. These are all hidden costs which impact on companies through productivity, performance, loss of talent and erosion of cultures. It all also impacts on schools and beyond. The challenges are large and need to be faced and the sector has a major role to play.

The aim of the Fuelling productivity is to bring together the sector to collaborate, to share knowledge and ideas so that the sector is stronger. In just the last few weeks, EP has had many emails from leaders stating their concern on the cost of living crisis and asking for what new ideas are emerging?

This will be the aim of the initiative as we enter 2023. To create forums for knowledge share. We hope you will be able to join us.