Every office has lived through the same awkward moment: a big catering delivery rolls in, the room buzzes, people gather, and someone quietly steps back to unpack the safe backup lunch they brought from home. They hover near the group but not really in it. They are scanning labels. They are checking cross-contamination. They are trying not to become the person who has to say, “Sorry, I actually can’t eat any of this.”
It feels small, but it carries weight. Research from Cornell University shows that employees with dietary restrictions report 19% higher feelings of loneliness at work. Not because they want special treatment, but because food becomes a barrier. While everyone else bonds, they are stuck managing “food worry.” Their brain stays in high alert mode, which leaves little room for relaxed conversation or meaningful connection.
This is not an edge-case issue anymore. In Australia, one in four people follows a specific diet or avoids particular foods. Coeliac-safe, vegan, halal, dairy-free, low-FODMAP, flexitarian — these are not rare needs. They are everyday realities in modern workplaces. When catering only suits the majority, it unintentionally excludes a significant portion of the team.
That is why inclusive catering is not just polite — it is strategic. And it is where Spencer Coffee shines.
We build catering menus that give everyone equal access to the food on the table. No “special” boxed meals. No sad, separate options on the side. Just one spread where every team member can eat freely, comfortably and confidently.
Let’s explore why this matters and how inclusive catering transforms team culture.
The Psychology of “Food Worry” at Work
Dietary restrictions do not just influence what people eat; they shape how people participate. Cornell’s research highlights a simple truth: when someone is worried about their food being safe, they cannot be fully present. They are with the group, but not able to relax into the moment.
People managing allergies, intolerances or cultural dietary rules often report:
- fear of being “difficult”
- anxiety about cross-contamination
- hesitation to ask questions in front of colleagues
- self-consciousness about being “the exception”
- opting out of team lunches entirely
Instead of tapping into the social benefits of shared meals, they sit on the margins. Not because they want to, but because the ritual was not designed to include them.
When workplaces overlook this, they miss an easy opportunity to strengthen belonging.
Commensality: Eating Together as a Social Signal
Anthropologists use the word “commensality” to describe the act of eating together. Across cultures, a shared table is not just a meal — it is a symbol of unity and belonging.
And here is the kicker: eating different meals at the same table weakens that signal.
When the whole team enjoys a beautiful shared spread and one person eats a shrink-wrapped salad or a separate boxed meal, it sends an unspoken message:
You are part of the team, but not fully part of this moment.
This is not about intention. It is about impact.
The visual separation creates a hierarchy, even if no one meant it. Research also shows that employees sometimes avoid catered events altogether just to skip the emotional load. Not because they dislike their colleagues, but because the situation feels socially risky.
Inclusive catering removes that risk.
When vegan, halal, gluten-free and omnivore options are all built into the same spread, everyone participates equally. No awkwardness. No singling out. Just a team sharing the same moment.
Why Inclusive Catering Is Now the Default, Not the Bonus
Many workplaces still think dietary accommodation is a niche contribution. The data says otherwise.
1. One in four Australians follow a specific diet
ABS data shows that around one in four Australians follows a specific diet or eating pattern. This includes allergies, intolerances, religious dietary rules, weight-management plans and general food avoidance.
2. Australia has some of the highest allergy rates in the world
About one in ten infants and two in one hundred adults have food allergies. Those children grow into adults who bring those needs into workplaces. Every team of any decent size will include people with genuine safety concerns around certain foods.
3. Flexitarian eating is rising fast
According to research from Roy Morgan, a significant portion of Australians are shifting toward plant-based meals even if they are not vegetarian. Many staff choose vegetarian or vegan options at lunch to avoid the afternoon slump, feel lighter or align with their values.
This means inclusive catering is not a minority issue. It is standard workplace reality.
How Spencer Coffee Designs Inclusive Catering That Brings Teams Together
We treat dietary needs as the foundation, not the add-on.
1. One shared spread, not separate meals
Our catering platters intentionally include a high proportion of vegan, vegetarian, halal and gluten-free items. Not as “special” options, but as part of the main offering.
When everyone eats from the same platters, it removes the hierarchy and makes the experience socially equal.
2. Clear labelling and transparent ingredients
Every catering order includes labelling that removes the uncertainty that drives food worry. People should not have to guess what they can eat.
3. No cross-contamination shortcuts
We prepare dietary items separately and package them with care. Even team members with coeliac disease or strict halal requirements can eat with confidence.
4. Food that suits mixed teams
Our menu supports the full spectrum of workplace needs, including:
- vegan wraps
- gluten-free sandwiches
- halal-friendly options
- muffins and pastries in vegan and gluten-free varieties
- fruit platters
- salads made without common trigger allergens
- breakfast wraps with vegetarian and dairy-free options
This diversity ensures everyone has something they enjoy, not something they settle for.
5. Reliable delivery to Docklands and Melbourne CBD
You get inclusive catering that arrives fresh, on time and ready to serve. No stress. No scrambling.
The Cultural ROI of Inclusive Catering
Shared food is one of the easiest ways to build trust and familiarity within a team. When you remove food worry, you unlock:
- better participation
- stronger belonging
- fewer people opting out of team events
- smoother social dynamics
- authentic connection
- a more equitable workplace
The cost is low. The impact is high. And the solution is simple: make sure everyone can eat.
Bring Your Team Together with Catering Everyone Can Enjoy
If your office is in Docklands or the Melbourne CBD, Spencer Coffee can deliver inclusive catering that supports every member of your team — not just the ones without dietary restrictions.
No separate boxes. No awkward exceptions. Just one shared spread where everyone belongs.
See the full range here:
https://www.spencercoffee.com.au/corporate-catering-docklands-melbourne-cbd-spencer-coffee/