White text: STAFF SUPPORT, basic white lineart of a slice of pizza, vibrant red background

Staff Appreciation – Food

Food in the workplace, more often than not, seems to be greatly appreciated by staff as a means of celebrating them or initiatives well done. But it can also be a tricky method for showing appreciation to staff for a number of reasons: inclusion of those with dietary restrictions, sensitivities, and/or needs (medical, religious, or otherwise), inclusion of those who have, or have had, disordered eating issues, financial contribution expectations, etc. However, one of the biggest reasons it can be tricky is due to a common manager and administrative misconception that food in and of itself is a sufficient way to show support and appreciation to their staff. This needs to be stressed: food is not an acceptable or appropriate substitute for supporting staff with increased, livable wages and benefits. Food should always be supplemental appreciation, not the primary or sole.

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