Workplace caterers expect to see increases in pre-ordering, grab-and-go and shift dining

Workplace caterers can expect to see an increase in pre-ordering, grab-and-go dining and diverse shift patterns as workers return, a group of consultants and industry experts have said.

Speaking during a Connect and Collaborate workshop, developed by caterer Bartlett Mitchell, those gathered predicted offers would need to change drastically in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Those speaking included consultants from Neller Davies, Stern Consultancy, Catering Consultancy Bureau, IJEss Consultancy, Tricon and Turpin Smale, as well as facilities management and procurement directors from leading law, tech and finance firms.

Those gathered felt menus would need to be more delivery friendly, with any sharing or self-service elements removed. Health and safety concerns will also require specific team training, effective communication and controls on the movement of people.

City businesses are expected to implement shift patterns to reduce traffic, with some likely to divide the workforce into A and B teams with just one working on site at any time.

Technology is expected to aid the adaptations, through pre-ordering and communication.

Wendy Bartlett, co-founder of Bartlett Mitchell, said: "The world that we have all known and loved for so long is certainly likely to change dramatically in the foreseeable future and we are all need to be prepared.

"Whatever happens in the coming months and years, we will all have learned some valuable and probably tough lessons.

"It is, however, very inspiring to work together with our ‘frenemies' from the contract catering world to put forward one voice to government with UKHospitality.

"By working as a cohesive group, we have supported each other during this time. We will look back and say yes it was tough, but working together we had a common message and strategy and hopefully it will help us through."

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