Consumers’ Food Habits Are Shifting with the Return to Office
As the world shakes off the shadows of the COVID-19 pandemic, many workers are making a triumphant return to the office. According to data from PYMNTS Intelligence, as of January 2025, approximately 80% of employed consumers are back to working either in-office or in a hybrid format—a stark contrast to the days when half of the workforce operated remotely.
This return to the workplace is not just about logging hours; it’s impacting our food choices dramatically. The evolving landscape of consumer behavior is now driven by commuting time and the need for convenience. Dive into the details with PYMNTS Intelligence’s insightful report on how the “Back-to-Office Mandates Drive Demand for Fast Food, Weekend Shopping, and Subscriptions.”
Lunch, Dinner, and Grocery Shopping
As the daily grind resumes, consumers have started to rethink their meal strategies, especially when it comes to lunch and dinner. A recent survey of over 2,000 U.S. consumers reveals notable shifts in spending habits, especially regarding fast food.
The correlation between working in an office and fast-food consumption is undeniable. Two-thirds of in-office workers are leaning toward quick-service restaurants during their weekdays, compared to just 56% of remote workers.
Furthermore, the evening commute has significantly cut into dinner preparation time. A jaw-dropping 75% of consumers returning to the office and utilizing meal delivery subscriptions—like HelloFresh and Blue Apron—signed up within the last six months. In contrast, among remote workers, that number stands at only 51%.
This surge in food delivery subscriptions means that more consumers are seeking streamlined subscription management platforms that simplify recurring payments, allow for easy cancellations or modifications, and provide transparent billing.
Read more: Multitasking Consumers Want to Shop — and Work — at the Same Time
A Focus on Time-Saving Solutions
When it comes to weekday meals, saving time is now the gold standard. This is especially true for Gen Z professionals: 68% are working in offices and 22% are on a hybrid schedule. This tech-savvy generation tends to embrace mobile app ordering, allowing them to maximize their fleeting lunchtime.
They appreciate flexibility and variety, preferring meal kits and prepared meals that can cater to their busy schedules. But let’s not overlook the Boomers in the workforce, where 24% report being fully remote while 65% are back in-office. These Boomers prefer familiar dining choices and often stick to trusted fast-food chains.
Implementing a loyalty program could be a strategic move to engage this diverse workforce—integrating delivery and in-restaurant options will entice office workers while maintaining existing customers.
Interestingly, in-office and hybrid workers are more inclined to dine out during the week compared to their remote counterparts. Statistical insights show that 29% of in-office workers make restaurant purchases on weekdays, while 36% of remote workers prefer dining out on weekends as a form of escape from home.
Another notable change is grocery shopping habits. Those returning to the office are 60% more likely to save grocery trips for the weekends, in contrast to remote employees. In fact, 42% of consumers now do their grocery shopping on weekends.
Conclusion
The shift back to office life is reshaping our relationship with food. As we navigate this new terrain, convenience, time-savings, and adaptability have become essential priorities for today’s consumers. Whether it’s grabbing a quick bite at a fast-food joint, opting for meal subscriptions, or saving groceries for the weekend, one thing is clear: the food landscape is transforming right before our eyes.
For more insights on consumer behavior changes in this new era, stay tuned and explore more on topics like consumer insights, fast food, and meal delivery.
