Modern workplaces are changing. Today’s employees care not only about salary and flexible hours but also about well-being, ethics and sustainability.
One area where all three come together is food at work. More people now follow vegan or vegetarian diets for health, environmental or ethical reasons.
When companies fail to provide suitable options, those employees feel left out—especially at catered meetings, office parties or team events.
On the other hand, when workplaces offer good vegan and vegetarian options, they send a strong message: everyone belongs here.
That message has a direct impact on engagement, satisfaction and productivity. In this article, we’ll explore why plant-based choices at work really matter, what the numbers say, and how businesses can act.
The Rise of Vegan and Vegetarian Eating
Across many countries, the number of people who identify as vegan, vegetarian, or flexitarian (mostly plant-based) has been steadily growing. Surveys in recent years show:
- A noticeable share of adults now avoid meat completely or most of the time.
- Younger workers, especially in their 20s and 30s, are far more likely to choose plant-based diets.
- Even regular meat-eaters are cutting back and looking for healthier, greener options.
This means a typical office is no longer made up of only “standard diet” employees. Any time a company orders lunch or hosts an event, there is a strong chance that someone in the room needs or prefers a vegan or vegetarian meal.
Why Vegan and Vegetarian Options Matter at Work
Providing plant-based choices is not just about being “nice.” It directly affects how people feel at work and how they perform.
1. Inclusion and Belonging
Imagine attending a team lunch where every dish contains meat, cheese, or chicken broth. If you are vegan or vegetarian, you either go hungry or nibble at plain salad. After a few times, you start to feel like an afterthought.
When employers offer clearly labelled, tasty vegan and vegetarian options, it shows respect for:
- Ethical choices (animal welfare)
- Religious needs (e.g., some faiths avoid certain meats)
- Health reasons (cholesterol, allergies, digestion)
That sense of inclusion boosts morale and employee loyalty.
2. Health and Energy
Well-planned plant-based meals can be rich in:
- Fiber (from vegetables, whole grains, legumes)
- Vitamins and minerals
- Healthy fats (from nuts, seeds, avocados)
These nutrients help stabilise blood sugar, sustain energy, and support mental focus. Employees who eat heavy, greasy meals at lunch often experience a mid-afternoon crash, slowing work and increasing mistakes.
Lighter, balanced vegan and vegetarian meals can keep energy levels more stable.
3. Sustainability and Company Image
Vegan and vegetarian meals generally have a lower environmental footprint compared to meat-heavy options, especially red meat. Choosing plant-based catering even a few times a month can reduce:
- Greenhouse gas emissions
- Water and land use
- Food waste
This aligns with corporate ESG (environmental, social, governance) goals and sends a strong signal to clients and employees that the company is serious about sustainability.
Key Benefits at a Glance
| Area of Impact | How Vegan & Vegetarian Options Help |
|---|---|
| Employee inclusion | Ensures everyone can eat, feel welcome, and participate fully |
| Health & energy | Supports lighter, nutrient-rich meals that improve focus and stamina |
| Productivity | Reduces afternoon slump, helps maintain steady concentration |
| Employer branding | Shows the company is modern, ethical and health-conscious |
| Sustainability | Lowers environmental impact of office catering and events |
Practical Ways to Add Vegan & Vegetarian Choices
You do not need to turn the whole office fully plant-based. Instead, focus on balance and variety:
1. Update Office Catering Policies
- Ensure every meeting, training day or event includes at least 2–3 vegan and vegetarian main options.
- Work with caterers who understand plant-based cooking, not just salad.
- Include filling dishes like lentil curries, bean chili, vegetable stir-fries, tofu dishes, grain bowls and hearty salads.
2. Improve the Cafeteria and Snack Stations
- Offer plant-based milk (soy, oat, almond) for coffee and tea.
- Stock snacks like nuts, hummus, fruit, dark chocolate, trail mix, instead of only biscuits and crisps.
- Clearly label items as “Vegan”, “Vegetarian”, “Gluten-Free”, etc., to make choices easy.
3. Ask Employees What They Want
- Use short surveys to find out how many employees prefer or require vegan/vegetarian options.
- Ask which types of cuisines they enjoy (e.g., Indian, Mediterranean, Asian, Mexican), then build menus around that.
- Encourage feedback after new menus are introduced and adjust based on the response.
4. Create Themed “Green Days”
- Host a monthly “Plant-Based Lunch Day” where all options are vegetarian or vegan.
- Use it as an opportunity to educate about health and sustainability benefits.
- Share recipes or quick tips so employees can try similar meals at home.
Common Myths About Vegan and Vegetarian Food at Work
Myth 1: “It’s too expensive.”
Not necessarily. Many plant-based staples—like beans, lentils, rice, seasonal vegetables—are often cheaper than meat and cheese. Costs mainly depend on the type of dishes and the catering provider.
Myth 2: “No one will eat it.”
In reality, many non-veg employees are happy to try tasty vegetarian or vegan options, especially if they look appealing and are well seasoned. Popular dishes often run out first.
Myth 3: “It won’t be filling.”
Protein-rich plant foods like tofu, tempeh, chickpeas, beans, quinoa and nuts are very satisfying. When combined with whole grains and vegetables, they create filling, balanced meals.
Building a Culture Around Respectful Food Choices
Food is deeply personal. By respecting different dietary choices, companies help create a psychologically safe and inclusive environment. This culture doesn’t only help vegans or vegetarians; it benefits:
- People with allergies and intolerances (e.g., lactose, gluten)
- Employees observing religious dietary rules
- Staff trying to lose weight or manage health conditions
When people feel seen and accommodated, they are more likely to stay longer, participate in events, and recommend the company to others.
Vegan and vegetarian options at work are far more than a trend—they’re a reflection of a modern, inclusive and forward-thinking workplace.
By thoughtfully adding plant-based meals to office catering, cafeterias and events, companies support employees’ health, ethics, and environmental values. This, in turn, improves morale, energy, productivity and corporate image.
If your office still offers only one or two basic vegetarian choices—or none at all—it may be time to rethink your food strategy. Start small: add more veggie options, improve labelling, and listen to employee feedback.
Over time, these changes can transform the workplace from a place where some staff feel left out at lunch into a space where everyone can share a meal, feel respected, and perform at their best.
FAQs
1. Do we need to make all office meals vegan or vegetarian?
No. The goal is not to force a diet on everyone but to ensure strong plant-based options exist alongside other choices. Balance and inclusion are key.
2. What if only a few employees are vegan or vegetarian?
Even if the numbers are small, offering proper options sends a powerful message that every employee matters. Plus, many non-veg staff will still enjoy these meals.
3. How can we ensure vegan and vegetarian meals are still tasty and satisfying?
Work with caterers who understand seasoning, texture and variety in plant-based cooking. Use herbs, spices, sauces and diverse ingredients to make dishes exciting, not boring.