Winning with wellbeing
One of the biggest challenges facing many businesses this year is employee retention. With the UK’s average employee turnover rate now at 35%, this means that over one-third of employees are handing in their notice every year. Following our recent research by Mintel on the Power of Socialisation, one thing has been made clear: wellbeing initiatives are no longer optional, they're essential.
As award-winning food, catering & facilities management providers, we know that great service starts with great people. Not only are we committed to attracting top talent to join 14forty, we’re also investing in ways to ensure our team members feel excited to come to work every day. And helping to lead that charge is Hilary Goldby, our Business & Industry HR Director.
Insights from Hilary Goldby, Business & Industry HR Director
Since joining the team just over six months ago, Hilary has been focused on building strong, engaged teams and strengthening our client partnerships. We recently sat down with her to uncover more about these shifting talent demands. With such a significant number of UK employees leaving within their first year, Hilary emphasised the need to understand the root causes and take consistent action to address them. She highlighted that companies that invest time, effort, and resources into their people will not only retain them, they'll also reap the benefits of improved morale, loyalty, and productivity.
Let’s hear from Hilary to get her take on the evolving role of food and beverage (F&B) in today’s workplace.
Q: How do you see food and beverage experiences contributing to employee retention in our workplace?
Hilary: Honestly, food and drink play a bigger role than people realise. It’s not just about having good coffee or healthy snacks. It’s about creating spaces where people feel comfortable, connected, and like they belong. When we design inviting areas with great food and drinks, we’re giving people a reason to come together, spark conversations, and build relationships. That sense of belonging is huge when it comes to engagement and retention. Plus, with hybrid work being so common now, having a workplace that feels welcoming and social makes people actually want to spend time there. When employees feel good, physically, socially, and emotionally, they’re more likely to stay loyal to their employer.
Q: How do you think workplace F&B impacts stress levels and overall morale, particularly during peak work periods?
Hilary: Food and mood are very connected. What we eat fuels our brains and keeps us going, especially during stressful periods at work. When we provide easy access to nutritious, tasty options and encourage people to step away for a break, it can make a huge difference in how they feel and perform. Plus, sharing a meal or even just grabbing a coffee with colleagues isn’t just about eating or drinking; it’s about connecting. Those little moments of interaction help build relationships, boost morale, and create a sense of support, which is so important when work gets intense.
Q: Do you see an opportunity for enhanced F&B options to be a competitive advantage in attracting top talent?
Hilary: 100%! Company culture plays a crucial role in employee decision-making. A social, inclusive, and supportive workplace, combined with quality food and drink options, not only motivates team performance but also serves as a strong incentive. These small touches create a welcoming environment, and when employees feel their wellbeing is genuinely prioritised, it makes an employer stand out in the best way.
Q: With hybrid working models becoming more common, how can we ensure that our food service offering remains relevant and accessible to all employees?
Hilary: It’s all about flexibility. Offering food and drink options that align with different work schedules, including grab-and-go choices, ensures everyone can benefit regardless of when they're in. Communication is key too. Keeping employees in the loop about what’s available helps them make the most of it. And, of course, we’ve got to keep listening. Regular feedback through surveys and trend forecasting helps us tweak our offerings so they stay useful and appealing to everyone.
How 14forty can help
As experts in facilities management, we’ve seen firsthand how nutritious, tasty food and welcoming spaces can create a genuine sense of belonging, encourage engagement, and support overall employee wellbeing.
As part of Compass Group PLC’s global network of brands, we bring over 75 years of food service heritage to everything we do. Our talented brigade of chefs work closely with our clients to deliver food and beverage experiences that make team members feel appreciated, connected, and motivated to come to work. Because we understand that when you invest in employee wellbeing, the benefits are tenfold.
If you're ready to enhance your employee value proposition, get in touch.
Call our Partnership Manager at 0121 457 5207, email saleslead@compass-group.co.uk, or use the form below.