At a recent Christmas event with team building activities in Rome for Fitprime, an Italian leader in corporate wellness, we made sure of this, as we knew the overall success of the event would depend, among other things, on our team providing inclusive catering options for our attendees. Inclusive catering is not just a matter of diversifying the menu and throwing in gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan options as an afterthought: it reflects a company's values and shows respect for all team members, regardless of their dietary needs or preferences. When employees feel that their requirements are considered, they feel valued and included, which is the foundation of successful team building.

Fitprime Christmas Team Building

For Fitprime's event, a delightful buffet dinner featuring refined vegan and gluten-free dishes was prepared. This approach ensured that all attendees could enjoy the feast without feeling excluded or limited in their options. The result was a room full of satisfied employees who could focus on enjoying the event and building stronger connections with their colleagues.

Inclusive catering also serves as a conversation starter and a learning opportunity. It allows employees to discuss their dietary choices and learn more about their coworkers' preferences. This fosters a sense of understanding and empathy, which are essential for building strong, cohesive teams. When team members are exposed to a variety of cuisines that cater to different tastes and preferences, it sparks engaging conversations about food, culture, and personal choices. This exchange of ideas is at the heart of effective team building.

Moreover, a diverse menu encourages people to step out of their comfort zones and try new things – a perfect parallel to the team building activities that follow the meal.

Inclusive catering takes the spotlight

In this particular instance, we also wanted the food to complement and enhance the team building exercises, which were scheduled to take place at the same time as the meal being served. We called it a 'Murder Mystery Snack' – a clever twist on the classic 'Murder Mystery Dinner'. The light, varied buffet provided was ideal for this activity, allowing participants to nibble and mingle as they solved the mystery - which makes the whole activity more dynamic than a classical Murder Mystery Dinner, where guests mostly stay seated as they consider clues.

Inclusive catering also has a positive impact on productivity and preformance during team building events. When people's dietary needs are met, they're more likely to feel energised and focused, leading to more engaged participation and productive discussions.

However you choose to plan it, the meal you serve at any corporate event is a powerful catalyst for enhancing any activity. It fosters inclusion, sparks conversations, and reinforces a company's commitment to employee wellbeing. When planning your next corporate team building event, consider the powerful impact of inclusive catering. Whether celebrating the holidays like Fitprime or strategising for the year ahead, the right food can greatly enhance the experience. Reach out for a personalised quote and let us help you create an event that surpasses your team's expectations.