Feedr Data Suggests the Working Week Is Rebalancing as Office Attendance Spreads Beyond Midweek

Office attendance patterns are starting to shift beyond the typical post-Covid midweek peak, according to new data from corporate food platform Feedr.

Analysis of workplace catering and employee lunch benefit data from 2025 shows that while Tuesday to Thursday remain the most popular days for office attendance, the start and end of the week are experiencing a steady rise in engagement, supported by more deliberate investment in food and workplace experiences.

Midweek Remains Strong, While the Week Rebalances

Tuesday to Thursday continue to anchor office life, accounting for the clear majority of weekday catering activity and reinforcing their role as the core days for collaboration, meetings and in-person connection.

However, Feedr’s data indicates office engagement is becoming more evenly distributed across the working week.

Renewed Engagement at the Edges of the Working Week

Alongside sustained midweek demand, Feedr observed renewed activity on Mondays and Fridays in 2025.

- Friday orders increased year-on-year, reversing the typical end-of-week drop-off.

- Monday and Friday saw the strongest growth in total daily spend, signalling increased employer investment on traditionally quieter days.

- Friday saw a 44.89% increase in total spend, while Monday rose by 28.31% - significantly higher than Tuesday (20.08%), Thursday (19.16%) and Wednesday (11.41%).

Together, these shifts suggest that employees are increasingly choosing to attend the office on Mondays and Fridays, as employers make these days more attractive through improved workplace experiences, such as high quality catering, helping to smooth activity across the working week without forcing a return to pre-pandemic patterns.

More Consistent Investment in Workplace Food

Feedr also analysed data from Cloud Canteen, its individual meal plan service where employers provide daily lunch credits that can only be used for meals ordered to the workplace. By increasing the value of these credits, employers are making in-office lunches more appealing to employees, signalling a deliberate investment in improving the office experience to encourage attendance.

In 2025, Feedr recorded a 6.26% year-on-year increase in typical employer-provided credit spend across Cloud Canteen main meals, rising from approximately £10.70 in 2024 to £11.37 in 2025. This points to a consistent increase in employer investment on in-office days, rather than short term or one-off changes.

At the same time, broader ad hoc catering behaviour remained stable year-on-year, with nearly 65% of orders placed more than a week in advance, indicating that companies continue to plan office food deliberately as part of wider workplace and attendance strategies.

Workplace Food Reflects Evolving Employee Expectations

Beyond timing and spend, Feedr’s data highlights a shift towards more thoughtful, experience-led workplace food.

- Pop-up food activations increased by 22.2%, reflecting growing appetite for variety and moments of engagement at work.

- Seasonal and cultural moments continue to drive the highest demand for corporate catering with Christmas, Black History Month, Pancake Day and Summer Parties leading the way.

This suggests food is increasingly being used to create shared moments and reinforce workplace culture, rather than serving a purely functional role.

“What stood out in 2025 wasn’t how often people came into the office, but how thoughtfully employers invested when they did,” Katie Fenton, Managing Director of Feedr told That's Food and Drink.

“Food has become a strategic tool for connection and culture, helping organisations encourage attendance without losing the flexibility employees value.”

Looking Ahead to 2026

Feedr expects this gradual rebalancing of the working week to continue throughout 2026, as organisations focus on maintaining strong midweek collaboration while encouraging more consistent attendance across the full week through flexible incentives.

Feedr is a leading corporate catering platform helping businesses deliver flexible catering and employee lunch benefits for modern, hybrid teams. Feedr works with hundreds of UK workplaces, connecting them to high-quality, diverse food suppliers while giving employers full control over spend and employee experience.

For more information about Feedr visit: Feedr Website https://feedr.co

How Flexibility in the Workplace Can Improve Productivity

In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving work environment, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: flexibility is not a perk, it’s a necessity. 

For business owners and managers, adopting flexible working practices isn't just about keeping up with the times — it’s a proven strategy to boost productivity, increase employee satisfaction, and retain top talent.

Why Flexibility Matters

Flexible working allows employees to tailor their schedules, locations, and workloads in a way that suits both their personal lives and the demands of their role. When implemented effectively, it creates a culture of trust and autonomy — two key drivers of motivation and performance.

But what does workplace flexibility actually look like in practice? And how can it be harnessed to enhance productivity?

1. Offer Remote or Hybrid Work Options

One of the most significant shifts in recent years is the rise of remote and hybrid working. Many employees find they are more focused and efficient when working from home, free from daily commutes and office distractions.

What you can do:

Allow employees to work remotely part or full time.

Provide the tools and support they need to stay connected and productive, wherever they are.

2. Embrace Flexible Working Hours

Not everyone thrives during traditional office hours. Some people are early risers, while others hit their stride later in the day. By allowing staff to adjust their hours, you can tap into their natural productivity rhythms.

What you can do:

Offer flexible start and finish times.

Trial compressed workweeks or staggered shifts.

3. Prioritise Outcomes Over Hours

Focusing on how much time employees spend at their desks misses the bigger picture. Productivity is about results, not presenteeism.

What you can do:

Set clear goals and performance indicators.

Allow staff the autonomy to meet their targets in a way that works best for them.

4. Support Employees with Caring Responsibilities

Balancing work and personal life can be especially challenging for those with children, elderly relatives, or other dependants. Providing flexibility shows compassion and builds loyalty.

What you can do:

Introduce family-friendly policies, such as flexible hours or unpaid leave.

Encourage open conversations around individual needs.

5. Promote Mental Health and Wellbeing

Burnout and stress are productivity killers. Encouraging regular breaks, respecting boundaries, and offering mental health support can lead to a more energised and engaged workforce.

What you can do:

Offer wellbeing days and access to mental health resources.

Foster a culture where taking time to recharge is not only accepted but encouraged.

6. Use Technology to Enable Flexibility

Digital tools can streamline collaboration and project management, making it easy for teams to stay productive from anywhere.

What you can do:

Invest in tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Trello, or Asana.

Ensure remote workers have access to secure systems and training.

7. Build a Culture of Trust and Autonomy

Employees who feel trusted are more likely to take initiative and go the extra mile. Micromanagement, on the other hand, can stifle creativity and morale.

What you can do:

Give employees ownership of their work.

Focus on coaching and support rather than control.

Final Thoughts

Flexible working isn’t about doing less — it’s about working smarter. By creating a more adaptable and responsive workplace, business owners and managers can unlock new levels of productivity while supporting the wellbeing and growth of their teams.

Flexibility is the future of work. Is your business ready to embrace it?

Navigating the Challenges of Remote Work

Remote work has become an increasingly prevalent trend in the modern workplace. Despite what some more traditional and hidebound managers might think.

Thanks to advancements in technology, it's now possible for people to work from anywhere in the world. 

While remote work offers numerous benefits, such as flexibility and reduced commuting stress, it also presents its fair share of challenges. In this blog post, we'll explore these challenges and offer practical solutions for navigating them effectively.

Isolation and Loneliness

One of the most common challenges faced by remote workers is the feeling of isolation and loneliness. When you work from home, you miss out on the social interactions that naturally occur in a traditional office setting. To combat this, consider:

Regular Video Calls: Schedule video meetings with colleagues and friends to maintain a sense of connection.

Join Online Communities: Participate in online forums, Slack channels, or social media groups related to your industry to engage with like-minded individuals.

Coworking Spaces: Consider using a coworking space, which can provide a sense of community and structure.

Work-Life Balance

Remote work often blurs the line between work and personal life. It can be challenging to switch off when your office is just a few steps away. To maintain a healthy work-life balance:

Set Boundaries: Establish clear working hours and stick to them as closely as possible. Avoid working beyond your designated hours whenever you can.

Create a Dedicated Workspace: Designate a specific area in your home for work, which can help mentally separate work from leisure.

Use Time Management Tools: Tools like time tracking apps and the Pomodoro technique can help you stay productive within set time frames.

Distractions at Home

Home environments are filled with distractions that can impede productivity. Here's how to minimize them:

Eliminate Distractions: Identify common distractions in your home and take steps to reduce or minimise them. This might mean putting your phone on silent, using website blockers, or creating a quiet work environment.

Prioritise Tasks: Start your day by identifying your most important tasks, and focus on completing those first. This can help you accomplish critical work before distractions creep in.

Communicate with Family and Housemates: If you share your home with others, communicate your work hours and ask for their support in minimising disruptions.

Communication Challenges

Effective communication is vital in remote work settings, and it can be challenging when you're not physically present with your team. To address this issue:

Use Collaboration Tools: Embrace a variety of collaboration tools like Slack, Trello, Microsoft Teams or Google Groups to facilitate seamless communication with your team.

Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular meetings or status updates with your colleagues to stay in the loop and address any issues promptly.

Overcommunicate: When working remotely, it's better to overcommunicate than undercommunicate. Share progress, ask questions, and be proactive in your interactions.

Technology Issues

Technology hiccups can disrupt your workflow and be a major source of frustration. To mitigate this:

Invest in Reliable Equipment: Ensure you have a stable internet connection and invest in a reliable computer and other necessary tech.

Backup Plans: Always have a backup plan in case of technical difficulties. Know how to troubleshoot common issues or have an alternative means of completing tasks.

Tech Support: Familiarise yourself with your company's IT support system, and know who to contact in case of technical issues.

Remote work is here to stay, and while it offers numerous advantages, it comes with its set of challenges. By addressing issues like isolation, work-life balance, distractions, communication, and technology problems, you can navigate these challenges effectively and make remote work a productive and satisfying experience. Remember that everyone's situation is unique, so be flexible and adapt strategies to suit your individual needs and preferences.

Office design a key contributor to return to the workplace in the finance sector

Financial services firms that are encouraging their staff to return to the office should prioritise office design if they want their policies to prove successful. This is according to data from global workplace design experts, Unispace.

Responding to the move by some major finance groups to encourage staff to return to the office with either a range of perks or mandated days in the workplace, data from Unispace’s Returning for Good study suggests that it is not a lack of perks that is preventing employees from being in the workplace more often, but rather the environment. 

The study revealed 65% of professionals within the financial services and banking industries struggle to do their core job when in the office due to the number of distractions they find there.

The report also revealed 57% of workers in the sector are reluctant to return to the office on a more regular basis. The individual reasons behind this reluctance include; preferring the privacy of working from home (34%), feeling more effective in a quieter home working environment (31%) and being more productive when not in the office (24%). 

When it came to why they enjoyed being in the office, financial services professionals said they liked the social interaction (35%) and wanted the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues (29%) as well as having access to better IT facilities than at home.

Consequently, Unispace argues that financial services employers should consider the way they are using their available space and whether it aligns with what their workers need from the modern office, before investing in incentives that are misaligned with staff requirements or mandating returns.

Lawrence Mohiuddine, CEO EMEA at Unispace, said: “Whilst it's positive to see financial firms looking to encourage their staff to return to the office, many tactics we’re seeing do not address the root cause of the reluctance to return that prevails. 

"The only way these employers will see real, lasting change in behaviour and sentiment towards being in their workspaces is by designing these areas to enable better productivity and efficient work.”

“This means listening to and engaging with your staff to find out what they really want and need. Our data indicates professionals enjoy having privacy and being more effective in quiet areas, but they're  also looking for opportunities to socialise and collaborate, too. While these sound like two disparate concepts, being flexible with your office design and creating different areas that align with these needs will help really encourage people to return on a more regular basis.”

To request your own copy of the report visit https://www.unispace.com/returning-for-good

Patent Prosecution Highway With Germany Now Open

A new two-year pilot scheme, launched today, will provide a boost for growth by helping businesses speed up the processing of patent applications in the UK and Germany.

The Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) allows applicants who have been successful in obtaining a patent from either the UK Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO) or the German Patent and Trademark Office to request accelerated examination of a corresponding patent application filed in the other country.

Minister for Intellectual Property Baroness Wilcox said: "Speeding up the international patent process means British businesses wishing to expand abroad can do so more quickly and cheaply. The Patent Prosecution Highway with Germany's Patent and Trademark Office adds an important partner to the existing schemes the UK IPO already has with a number of other countries. The agreement will provide a more efficient and affordable system for British and German businesses."

The UK-Germany PPH pilot programme was launched on 1 March 2012 and will run for an initial period of one year, ending on 1 March 2013.

Bruntwood performs well in a tough climate

The latest financial results for family-owned commercial office space company Bruntwood show that it has managed to perform well, despite the difficult economic conditions of recent years.

The results, which represent the financial year ending September 2011, highlight that the company's fixed assets were up by 2 per cent to £966m, while its net worth had increased to £318m – a rise of 2.5 per cent. Despite a slight fall in turnover, to £99m, profit before tax had also improved by 1 per cent to reach £11.2m.

Chris Oglesby, Bruntwood’s Chief Executive, said: "The economic climate continues to be tough and we have had to work hard, as a team, to deliver these results. We are continuing to focus on our customers in the current marketplace to ensure they have the services, flexibility and competitively priced accommodation that they need."

The family-owned property company provides a range of office options for businesses, including long-term commercial suite rental and retail space hire. It also offers virtual office space and meeting room facilities for businesses which don't need additional space on a daily basis.

Serviced offices are very popular, as they allow companies to operate in a flexible manner in unpredictable circumstances. For example, a business which has just started trading, or an existing organisation which is not sure of its upcoming office space requirements, can choose to rent extra space for as little as one month. Their occupation in the building can then be extended if required, providing a valuable option during times of financial uncertainty.

Bruntwood owns in excess of 100 properties throughout the north and the Midlands, chiefly focused around Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and Birmingham. Many of its buildings feature everything from function rooms to training rooms.

Mr Oglesby added: "Through the recent economic turbulence, our main focus has been on driving value in our existing portfolio. Looking forward we are keen to grow in the science and technology sector in Manchester as well as to continue to develop our business in Leeds, Birmingham and Liverpool."

www.bruntwood.co.uk/.

Unknown number of Christmas parcels stolen

An unknown number of Christmas deliveries has gone missing, some before they were entered into the computer systems of the parcel delivery firms, making them untraceable.

One disgusted driver said: "It's a similar story with many delivery firms. My firm (EDITOR: A large, national concern) did not bother to install proper security, so an organised gang was allowed to have free range at one of the firm's hubs, taking many parcels before they had been entered into our systems. The result is the firm lost an unknown number of parcels. They then decided to improve security, but that was far too late, as the damage had already been done."

An industry insider said: "There have been other firms who have decided to take extra temporary staff on, but who have not even done any security checks on them. For all they know they could have employed people with convictions for theft, dishonesty or sexual offences or perhaps even drink driving. But because they chose to cut corners, they would never know."

Vulnerable parcels and packages targeted by greedy thieves  have included high value electronic goods, foodstuffs, DVDs, books, etc. The industry insider added: "Nothing has been safe. One of the problems is that if someone in -for example, Devon, entrusts their parcel to a major national carrier for delivery in the Midlands or the North, they expect that major, national carrier, to deliver the parcel. What the major national carrier do not tell their customers is that the final delivery (or more accurately in some cases, lack of delivery) is put into the hands of a somewhat dodgy and shady local delivery firm who have a cavalier attitude to bothering with CRB checks on their drivers.

"And some of their drivers look upon Christmas as a special bonus time, keeping their eyes open for certain packages that they will divert to either a fence or (and in many cases they genuinely do not see anything wrong in this) in the case of foodstuffs and frozen or chilled deliveries, take them home for their families to consume.

"The result is great losses to small, specialist retailers who rely on Christmas orders for the vast majority of their income and disappointed families who have had their Christmas goods diverted by thieves."

What can be done about this?

"If you are in business and need to make deliveries always insist that the delivery firms that you use only employ properly CRB checked drivers and depot staff. If they can't, do not use them. Anecdotal evidence would suggest that there is less danger of you use the parcel delivery services of the Royal Mail. The Post Office or Parcel Force. Yes, they might be a little more expensive, but perhaps there's a good reason for that?

"If you experience problems with deliveries of parcels and their seems to be a pattern do not be reticent in involving the police. Obviously, firms who have no proper policy with employing honest, verifiable staff, or who deliberately flout their own rules for the sake of expediency or cutting corners and therefore, their costs, would not welcome the involvement of the police. Well, that's too bad. You might also need to check on their business insurance. A few claims against them might serve to remind them of their responsibilities to their clients and the customers of their clients."

Custom-built Furniture in Business Premises is more Functional, Beautiful and Cost-effective, points out Lima Europe

Furniture that has been designed and custom-built for a specific business space, for example for a reception or open plan office is not only more practical and cost-efficient in the long run, but can uniquely transform a room and make a striking impression with clients and staff, says London interior designers, Lima Europe.

Plain, common furniture, such as that purchased from large retailers helps inspire commercial interior designers, Zoltán Madosfalvi and Alíz Ördög from Lima, to push boundaries and create innovative new pieces, bespoke to each client. Customised creations can reflect a brand’s personality in a way that mass market furniture never can and many businesses understand the importance of displaying exclusivity and style through the look and feel of their premises.

In a similar way to the fashion industry, trends often dominate the retail space, meaning it can be difficult for a business to find furniture that meets its conceptual and practical needs as well as it fitting precisely in the available space. The layout of furniture, in an office for example, can alter the entire feeling of a room as well as the team dynamics of those that work within it. What’s more, space can often be utilised better when the furniture is custom-built, especially when it comes to awkwardly shaped areas; this can mean avoiding a move to a bigger premises or leasing a second location, which could save a company thousands.

Co-founder of Lima, Zoltán Madosfalvi, has designed furniture for a number of commercial and private clients and oversees the manufacturing process, which is undertaken at Lima’s facility in Budapest. He said: “Businesses who invest in customised furniture, from a branded hotel bar to a sofa in a surgery reception or office cupboards, want to set themselves apart from competitors and offer their customers or clients something extra beautiful and special when they walk into the premises. Staff also benefit from a carefully planned environment, in a subtle psychological manner and in very practical ways on a day to day basis.

“When the fixtures, fittings and furnishings work with the dimensions and needs of a room, saving space becomes almost effortless; designing a space and its furniture around current functional needs as well as future requirements is a business investment that can help save moving site in the long run.”

For more information about Lima Europe, please visit www.limaeurope.co.uk or for an initial discussion about the interior design needs of your home or business, telephone Lima’s UK interior designers on 0207 884 0504.

New research points out how emerging changes in the work-place are impacting commercial property decisions

Birmingham-based Port@l, leaders in delivering space and infrastructure solutions, has commissioned an independent white paper that assesses how, technology, Government initiatives and the mitigation of risk is changing the attitude of companies towards commercial property and the work-place.

Aimed at Chief Executives, Chief Financial Officers, Property professionals and Human Resource executives, ‘The Changing Workplace’ examines current and future trends in property and accommodation acquisition and how corporations are reacting to these changes.

The research covers a range of topics such as, flexible working, age, gender, technology, green initiatives and alternative work places.

Port@l’s Managing Director John Gotley said: “Historically the elements that determine commercial property decisions have remained unchallenged and the process of obtaining new accommodation predictable. Organisations have had two choices, own property or sign long lease agreements. However as the country emerges from recession there has been a major shift in the property landscape.

"Accommodation procurement is no longer dominated by the supply side; myriad factors are now playing a part in corporate decision making that go way beyond the simplistic process of determining location, size and price per square foot.”

Gotley Continues, “We have commissioned this paper to assist senior executives understand how these emerging influences, that include; technology, and communications, work-life balance, demography and alternative methods of property provisioning, may impact their future accommodation strategies.”

The paper was written by Helen Hide-Wright, a freelance independent researcher specialising in commercial projects, who previously worked at Leeds Metropolitan University where she was involved in researching, writing and producing commercial reports used within the banking sector to influence investment decisions.

To obtain a copy of the white paper visit: www.portal-centres.com/whitepapers.html

Why book Manchester virtual office space with Bruntwood?

If you run a business, there are many advantages to booking Manchester virtual office space through family-owned commercial property specialist Bruntwood.

For starters, you'll benefit from being able to direct customers and clients to an address in one of the UK's most dynamic cities. They provide virtual office space in Manchester city centre, plus in as a range of locations across Greater Manchester such as Warrington, Altrincham, Cheadle and Knutsford.

Secondly, you won't have to brace yourself for a major outlay because Bruntwood's facilities are pleasantly affordable. Believe it or not, you can book Manchester virtual office space for just £50 per month. For that figure, you'll be supported by a dedicated customer service team that handles your mail and incoming calls at no extra cost.

Thirdly, as a Manchester virtual office space customer, you'll be entitled to receive discounts on our selection of meeting rooms and conference facilities across the north of England. They also have meeting rooms and conference facilities in Leeds, Liverpool and Birmingham.

Finally, you'll be able to seamlessly move up to full offices when your business takes off. They recognise that taking out virtual office space is often a precursor to something bigger, so they've put together a range of places suitable for companies of all sizes. If you just need somewhere for a day, meanwhile, each of their buildings has individual desks to hire for £35 per day.

Would you like to discover more about their Manchester virtual office space? Call their customer service team on 0800 731 0300 or visit the Bruntwood website at www.bruntwood.co.uk.

The Eco Boiler Range from Angel Springs

The Eco Boiler range by Angel Springs, provides not only huge cost savings, but is also a convenient product which can save in time and efficiency too, particularly in the workplace. And it can help your firm be greener, too.

Angel Springs are the UK’s longest established water cooler company. They also offer a range of water boilers which are both cost saving and useful for frequent use of hot water, such as a busy office kitchen, or canteen with many cups of tea and coffee made daily.

The Eco Boiler lives up to its name in terms of being energy efficient, with electricity being saved each time you use the boiler instead of boiling the kettle. This makes it a great household product for those with environmental concerns.

The Eco Boiler range offers fantastic value for money, and can pay for itself many times over in time.

John Murphy, Commercial Director at Angel Springs points out: “The Eco Boiler range by Angel Springs is yet another way of providing a useful service for our customers in a cost effective way.”

To find out more about the boiler range and take advantage of a free trial, visit www.angelsprings.com or call 0845 370 1177

Water coolers make staff healthier and boost productivity

‘A healthy workforce is a happy workforce’ well, that’s often said, but how often does anyone DO anything about it?  Those people who use the services of Angel Springs, because in the case of Angel Springs ‘a hydrated workforce is a more productive workforce’ is the rule.

Good levels of hydration within the office are proven to improve concentration, provide better mental and physical efficiency and a greater level of productivity. A bottle or mains fed water cooler are known to be the best way of encouraging water consumption in the office.

Leading water cooler service provider in the United Kingdom, Angel Springs offer a number of both bottled and mains fed water coolers.

All Angel Springs’ water coolers are offered on a number of different packages, each tailored specifically towards the needs of the customer and offering a large amount of flexibility.

Since being launched in 1989, Angel Springs have maintained a high standard of quality and customer service, something the company prides itself on.

Already the leading water cooler service provider in the United Kingdom, Angel Springs continue to add thousands of new customers per month.

All customer queries are dealt with professionally and efficiently by the Angel Springs customer services staff, all of whom are BWCA (British Water Cooler Association) qualified and offer a wealth of specialist knowledge.

Regional distribution centres allow Angel Springs to source the best quality water from locations such as the Cotswold Hills to ensure customers get the best quality for money.

To find out more about Angel Springs, visit the website: www.angelsprings.com or call 0845 370 1177.