Office workers prefer lunchtime pizzas over after-work pints, study finds

Nearly six in 10 office workers (58%) prefer to socialise over lunch rather than at after-work drinks, according to new research from Just Eat.

The More Than a Meal report surveyed 2,003 UK office workers between 18-years-old and over-55-years-old across different industries and regions.

It found communal lunches have become more popular post-pandemic, with orders for deliveries of buffets and platters rising by 42% during 2024, while pizza orders grew by 37%.

Gen Z were the most likely to take a full lunch break, with 56% doing so, compared to only 36% of Gen X and 22% of Baby Boomers. Meanwhile, Millennials were 28% more likely to eat lunch at their desk versus any other generation.

The majority (70%) of C-level executives lunched with colleagues at least once a week, followed closely by 66% of Gen Z. Only 8% of Gen Z would never eat with colleagues.

Staff at mid-sized companies (between 50 and 249 employees) were most sociable at lunch, eating with their teams at least 25% more frequently than those at small or very large firms with over 500 employees).

The most popular food people ate at their desk was British cuisine (59%), though in London, people were 50% more likely to choose Japanese options.

Matt Ephgrave, managing director at Just Eat for Business, said: “It’s interesting to see how the rising demand for communal lunches connects to current discussions about work-from-home policies. While the benefits of remote work are evident, it’s also clear that many office workers crave the social engagement that they’ve lost since 2020. A lunch eaten with colleagues at work is just one of those timeless moments so many of us enjoy.”

Ed Walker, founder and chief executive of Fika Catering, Boutique Caterer of the Year at the 2024 Foodservice Cateys, added: “The shift we’re seeing isn’t just about feeding people – it’s about understanding that food provision is a strategic business tool. Companies that recognise this are using catering to solve real workplace challenges by bringing teams together, creating shared experiences and demonstrating genuine care for employee wellbeing.”

Just Eat for Business is an office food delivery marketplace serving over 30,000 employees across more than 600 companies. It forms part of Just Eat Takeaway. 

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