Team Building Through Meals: 9 Best Foods for Sharing

In today's fast-paced work environment, where deadlines loom large and stress is a constant companion, there's a simple yet potent concept that can bring teams closer, boost job satisfaction, and enhance productivity: sharing meals.

Imagine your colleagues gathered around a table, enjoying good food and even better company. It's more than just a meal; it's a recipe for team success. Studies back this up, showing a significant 36% increase in job satisfaction and a notable 29% spike in creativity when teams break bread together.

But there's more to it than numbers. Shared meals foster collaboration, encouraging colleagues to connect outside of the daily grind. This builds stronger bonds and reduces workplace stress, ultimately improving productivity. Plus, the science behind it is fascinating: sharing meals triggers the release of oxytocin, the "bonding hormone," reducing stress and boosting trust among team members. In this blog post, we'll explore 9 best sharing food choices for your workplace, one delicious bite at a time.

Sandwiches

What can top our list other than flavorsome sandwiches? Packed with the goodness of proteins, fibers, vitamins, carbohydrates, bundles of calories, and more, these make perfect balanced meal options to bring for sharing. 

Besides the nutritional aspect, plant-based sandwiches also account for having the least impact on the environment as alternatives to meat-based lunches. According to a study, the carbon footprint of meat-based recipes is five times more than that of veg ones. This is the main reason plant-based sandwiches are experiencing a surge in demand. 

More and more Aussies are choosing gluten-free diets these days. People opt for gluten-free diets for various reasons – some due to gluten intolerance, others for digestive health, and some for the potential weight management benefits.

Now, here's the intriguing part: 11% of Australian adults are embracing this gluten-free lifestyle. And guess what? Sandwiches are keeping up with the trend. You see, they've got you covered with a variety of gluten-free bread options available at almost any grocery stores.

Sushi

Sushi, the global finger food sensation, is next on our list! The main reason behind the hype sushi is enjoying now is because of its ease of portability and preservance. Cooked sushi can be refrigerated and used within 3 to 4 days, while in the case of the raw ones, the time reduces to 1 to 2 days. However, now it has been transformed into an artful, healthy option to savor with loads of variations.

Coming to the nutritional aspect, sushi is loaded with Vitamin A and C, Retinol, Zinc, Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorous, and most importantly, omega-3 fatty acids from fish – the key sushi ingredients. These omega-3 fatty acids reduce the risk of heart disease development by balancing cholesterol levels and lowering blood pressure. 

If you are bringing sushi as your meal to share, ask everyone to follow the sushi etiquette for the office. These include proper use of chopsticks, eating sushi in a single bite, pouring soy sauce over sushi instead of dipping sushi into it, and more.

Sushi etiquette encourages mindfulness and respect for others. In Japanese culture, there is a deep-rooted belief in the importance of being present in the moment and showing consideration for those around you.

When colleagues share a sushi meal and adhere to these etiquettes, it creates an environment of attentiveness and respect. This attentiveness can easily extend beyond the dining table, leading to more effective communication and collaboration in the workplace.

Taco and Nacho Fiesta

If you want to do something different on this meal-sharing day at the office, try setting up a budget-friendly taco and nacho station. You can set it up by getting budget-friendly ingredients like salsa, lettuce, shredded cheese, beef or beans, or more. Moreover, get plain tortilla chips as a base and encourage everyone to self-serve instead of relying on serving staff, saving yourself money. 

The best part? Tacos and nachos can be customized to a great extent depending on one's favorite ingredients and toppings. This versatility and choice variety allow everyone to try out different variations and explore their new favorites. These stations unfold another way of encouraging socialization among employees, enhancing their job experience and satisfaction. 

Taco and nachos are best paired with guacamole and salsa. These are actually fairly easy to make with just a few ingredients including avocado, sour cream, onions, lemon and coriander. Or for more convenient options, get them from Coles or Woolies. 

Cheese Board

Another great idea is to bring a cheese board. It can include a variety of semi-firm cheeses, from cheddar jack cheese and Gouda to butterkäse, gruyere, and muenster. The sides include crackers, baguettes, cherries, pistachios, almonds, olives, apricots, and more. In short, you can pair your cheeses with any complimentary side ingredient when keeping everything simple. 

The bonus tip here is to try out different cheese flavors to find the pairings that best complement each other. Some popular combinations include cheddar, soft brie, Gouda, sharp cheddar, semi-soft blue, and hard cheese. 

These boards have a plethora of nutrients packed into them. The most important ones include phosphorus, vitamins A and B-12, zinc, calcium, protein, and riboflavin. Moreover, it helps relieve hypertension, increase productivity, and boost immunity. So, when looking for healthy food for sharing at the workplace, this one can be your best bet!

Pizza

Pizza is one of the most popular meal sharing options for all Aussie! On average, an Australian eats approximately 9 kilograms (around 20 pounds) of pizza each year.

To add up, the most popular pizza toppings in Australia include Pepperoni, Meat lovers, Vegetarian, Supreme Extra and Peri-peri chickens. So, when ordering for your workers or colleagues, be sure to consider these options, as almost no one can say No to them! Lastly, you can also incorporate dietary restrictions seamlessly into this delicacy. From gluten-free to vegan, vegetarian, and low-carb, each diet pizza is available nowadays.

Tip: When ordering pizzas, you can estimate the number needed by counting three slices for each person. This means that if you have ten team members, you will need thirty slices, i.e., 6 medium pizzas. 

Dumpling

The story of dumplings begins in China, and over time, different cultures embraced this dish, making variations in their ways. Today, a plethora of cuisines have created their dumpling versions by customizing the filling and the dough wrapper. Chinese call them dumplings, Koreans name them Mandu, Japanese call them Gyoza, and so much more. 

Besides the traditional dumpling flavors, the new trendy soap dumplings are also creating waves among the foodies around the globe. Other worth drooling over variations include fried dumplings and more. You can make them yourself or order from any restaurant you have tried. Asking for suggestions from your work buddies can never be a bad idea. 

How can we skip the delish dumpling sauces? It won't be wrong to mention them as a game changer in enhancing flavors and bringing that authentic vibe out of the delicacy. The best options you can rely on include Ginger and vinegar Sauce, Spicy tomato dip, Spring Onion Oil Sauce, and Sichuan Dumpling Sauce. 

Sweet Treats: Donuts and Croissants

When everyone is busy arranging some savory and spicy delicacies, why not plan to satisfy sweet cravings after a shared meal? You can choose multiple sweet treats for the purpose, but don't go behind ice creams, as handling them in the workplace can become quite a challenge. 

Donuts can be a better option, though. You can get them with different toppings or fillings. Toppings range from simple powder sugar spray to a well-crafted one with a chocolate ganache layer, topped with chocolate chips or biscuits. You can also go with filled donuts; you have filling choices here, ranging from vanilla whipped cream to caramel chocolate sauce fillings. 

Croissants, on the other hand, are the best go-to shared meal option if you are arranging a coffee or tea party in your office. Those flaky goodness with soft and buttery inside are something that melts into your mouth, and the things elevate to another level when paired with coffee. If you plan on getting these, check out our catering menu as we are pros at making the best croissants.  

Hearty Choices: Sausage Rolls, Pies, and Pasta Bake

Besides the sweet treats from the bakeries, you can also consider getting hearty, savory delights. These include sausage rolls, pies, tarts, and pasta bakes. 

Sausage rolls are puff pastry tubes wrapped around sausage meets and topped with milk or egg for that perfect golden glaze color. These have been considered convenient comfort foods extremely popular as office snacks. 

Secondly, meat and vegetable pies for your veg and non-veg buddies can be a great treat. Though Australians love Australian meat pie the most, variations like chicken and mushroom, pepper steak and curry flavours. 

You can also craft an all-in-one pasta bake following our versatile recipe that caters to different tastes. Simply combine your selected meat already cut veggies, and season it with marinara sauce. Season with your choice of spices and sauces to add a unique touch to your delish creation, and ta-da, you are done!

Light and Savory: Quiches and Salads

Office meal sharing often prefers light and savory meal choices, which is when quiches and salads come into play. Quiches are French tarts made with the amalgamation of eggs, milk, and cream. These are tarts with simple savory custard filling, accompanied by veggies, meat, seafood, and cheeses in multiple variations. 

Next, we have a classic choice, i.e., Caesar Salad, loved by various celebs out there. From Kim Kardashian and Beyoncé to Kate Hudson, everyone has included this healthy meal option into their diet for that much-needed punch of calories and nutrients. So, why not include this trendy meal in your shared food menu?

Tip:  Salads aren't limited to the above option; you can also check out Chow Mein Sharing Salad – an Asian Twist, and Prawn Cocktail Salad – a seafood Sensation. The former is an Aasan-inspired dish featuring the savory appeal of umami; the latter is heavenly beneficial for its impact on cognitive function and brain health. 

Tips for Successful Office Food Sharing

Besides exploring the top food choices, you should also invest time in having a look at the tips for successful food sharing!

Hygiene

Food safety and hygiene begin with the practice of washing hands. Wash your hands before and after meals to ensure optimal protection against food-borne illnesses. 

Food Safety

This involves separately handling raw and cooked food and ensuring that food is stored below the danger zone, as bacteria experience growth booms between 40 °F and 140 °F. Also, food should be kept wrapped or sealed if meant to be stored in the office fridge to keep everything organized and prevent the sharp smells of meals from circulating. 

Managing Dietary Restrictions

Another great tip is to consider dietary restrictions so no one feels left out. Keep a check if someone is vegan, vegetarian, or follows a nut or gluten-free diet, and make necessary adjustments when deciding on the menu. This attempt will showcase inclusivity and respect for diverse food preferences.

Rotating Responsibilities for Organizing Meals

Though one-dish meal sharing is a great idea, rotating responsibilities for organizing meals is a much better approach if you plan to share food daily. Where sharing responsibilities fosters a strong bond and gives everyone a feeling of being honored, it also encourages team management and teamwork capabilities.

Wrapping It Up!

Sharing food in the office is a common practice that now seems to be overlooked due to the overly hectic schedules of employees and business professionals. But by sticking to the healthy, light, yet budget-friendly meal options, you can make the most of returning this food-sharing ritual to your workplace. 

This article features all the information you must have about the best meal options for sharing. From the sandwiches to the cheese boards, dumplings, and more, we have covered it all! If you are into office catering, get in touch with "Hey, Crois!" Their flavorsome delicacies and worth drooling over delicacies will surely leave everyone licking their fingers. 

Also, don't skip letting us know in the comments about your favorite shared food option from our list!