For decades, business lunches have been as much about status and strategy as it has been about food. Beyond sustenance, they are seen as a stage for networking, and negotiation for a business deal. However, from the smoke-filled steakhouses popular in the West in the 1950s to the salad-at-your-desk culture of today, reflecting broader changes in workplace priorities and food culture.
In the mid-20th century, the "power lunch" was a symbol of status and influence. Dealmakers frequented high-end restaurants and private clubs, where long, indulgent breaks were considered a sign of authority. The dining table often served as an extension of the boardroom.
In the 1980s and 90s, the pace accelerated and a new generation of professionals, including more women in executive roles prioritized efficiency. The “power lunches” gave way to more inclusive gatherings and shorter lunch meetings that were organized in cafes and restaurants. Deals were still discussed and finalized over food, but with a focus on efficiency.
Tech culture and Reimagining food at work
In the early 2000s, the rise of Silicon Valley and startup culture introduced a new paradigm. Lavish food tables gave way to food trucks, open cafeterias and shared tables. The lavish meal gave way to a Salad Bowl eaten with business associates. This is the era when business dining was democratized with focus on collaboration and convenience.
COVID-19 pandemic triggered a major reset, as remote work became the norm. With remote working, online working lunches and Zoom coffee meetings picked pace. When professionals moved back to offices, they started preferring eating at their desks, between meetings and in hybrid setups. Also, with the rise in focus on health and wellness- professionals started opting for lighter, healthier meals at work.
Fast-forward to today, and the story is very different. The modern workplace food has transformed to be leaner, faster, and increasingly health-conscious.
Power Dining -> Productivity Dining
The shift in office lunch culture has mirrored larger changes in workplace priorities. Employees today are more mindful of nutrition, more pressed for time, and more attuned to convenience. Eating at work is no longer a leisurely ritual but an extension of how we balance productivity, wellness, and collaboration. This evolution has been accelerated by digital delivery platforms, which have redefined access and choice for the modern professional.
Technology has also enabled an enhanced customer experience with enhanced customization and personalization. Nutritional filters, customizable menus, and real-time tracking have made healthy eating easier and more accessible than ever before. For employees, this means office lunches can now align with personal wellness goals rather than being dictated by what’s closest to the office building.
The rise of corporate rewards and culture
Lunch today is not just about sustenance; it is also becoming a cultural tool. Corporate Rewards programs allow employers to extend meal benefits as part of workplace engagement and recognition. A digital meal voucher or group lunch credit is increasingly seen to boost morale, foster inclusivity, and create shared experiences in hybrid work environments. What used to be the occasional office pizza party is now a structured, scalable tool for employee engagement.
Swiggy’s recently launched Corporate Rewards program has already seen swift adoption and early success, with nearly 2 lakh users from 8,000 companies availing the exclusive benefits across Swiggy’s key offerings. Corporate Rewards and DeskEats launched last quarter have already enabled us clock double digit growth in Corporate orders and a 24% increase in transacting users.
A reflection of modern work
In many ways, the evolution of the office lunch reflects broader changes in how we work. The workplace has become more decentralized, more digital, and more personalized, and the way we eat has followed suit. Foodtech platforms like ours have made it possible for employees to enjoy diverse, healthy, and customized meals at the click of a button, turning lunch into a moment of productivity, wellness, and community rather than indulgence or formality.
Looking Ahead
As work cultures continue to evolve, so will the rituals that surround them. Tomorrow’s office lunch may well include AI-driven meal planning, sustainability-focused packaging, or hyper-personalized nutrition delivered directly to our desks. But one thing is clear- the lunch hour will remain a powerful mirror of workplace culture, and digital platforms will continue to be the bridge between how we work and how we eat.
(Rohit Kapoor, CEO, Swiggy Food Marketplace.)
Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.
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