Flexible meals report highlights productivity boost in Singapore

Deliveroo for Work has released a report highlighting the potential impact of flexible meal options on work productivity as businesses adapt to evolving guidelines surrounding Flexible Work Arrangements in Singapore.

The report emerges as Singapore observes a shift in the implementation of flexible work settings, with the proportion of businesses offering such arrangements increasing from 68.1% in 2023 to 72.7% in 2024. Gan Siow Huang, Singapore's Minister of State for Manpower, shared this statistical insight.

The report by Deliveroo for Work surveyed both employees and employers in Singapore to understand their experiences and opinions regarding meal breaks in the workplace. The findings indicate that more than half of Singapore's workforce finds it challenging to fully use their lunch hour due to demanding workloads and time constraints. However, there is a strong consensus among employees about the positive impact of proper meals on their productivity, with 82% acknowledging this benefit.

The survey results also show that a significant majority, 81% of employees, value the flexibility to choose how and when they take their meal breaks. This preference ranges from eating at their desk to engaging in team lunches or opting for quick meals while on the go.

In addition to these findings, the report highlights the role of company-sponsored meals in enhancing workplace dynamics. About 71% of employees noted that these meals contribute to better collaboration among team members.

However, the report underscores a disparity between employer perceptions and employee realities concerning lunch breaks. Despite the employees' experiences, 96% of employers believe their staff use their designated lunch breaks. This points towards a disconnect that may need addressing to align workplace policies with employee needs better.