Staff lunch: a small investment with a big impact

Why a staff lunch is more than a meal

For many employers, lunch is a practical matter: everyone has to eat somewhere. But a staff lunch is also a visible signal to your team about how you view them as an employer. It is one of the few employee benefits that employees notice daily, unlike, for example, a pension scheme that only becomes visible on the payslip.

Research by Albert Heijn among over a thousand working Dutch people shows that a large proportion of employees would prefer their employer to provide a healthy meal, whereas most currently still bring their own lunch. Moreover, a catered lunch brings colleagues together at the table, which, according to the same research, has a noticeable effect on the work atmosphere.

What a staff lunch yields for the organization

Arranging a staff lunch is not an expense without a reciprocal service:

• Work atmosphere and connection: a shared lunch is one of the few moments during the day when colleagues come together in a relaxed atmosphere, outside of the meeting structure.

• Attractive employer branding: in a tight labor market, a catered lunch is visible, daily proof of how an organization cares for the well-being of its people, something that stands out to both current employees and candidates.

Staff lunch and the Work-related Costs Scheme (WKR)

For employers considering providing a staff lunch, it is good to know how this is treated for tax purposes. In the Netherlands, an office lunch of an occasional business nature does not fall under a targeted exemption and is considered remuneration in kind. The Tax and Customs Administration applies a fixed standard amount per meal for this: in 2026, this is €4.05 per meal (in 2025, this was €3.95). As an employer, you can include this amount within the tax-free allowance of the Work Expenses Scheme or add it directly to the employee's salary.

This standard amount is significantly lower than the actual value of a catered lunch, ensuring that the tax burden for an employer remains relatively limited. Any employee contribution may be deducted from this amount. As these amounts are reviewed annually by the Tax and Customs Administration, we refer you to the Tax and Customs Administration's information regarding the work-related expenses scheme ( belastingdienst.nl ) for the most up-to-date status. In case of doubt, always consult your accountant or payroll administrator regarding the situation specifically applicable to your organization.

How Kokkies Lunch Club provides the staff lunch

Kokkies Lunch Club provides daily or weekly business lunches for offices, delivered buffet-style with a hot meal, fresh salad, freshly baked bread, and various toppings. You inform us of any dietary requirements and allergies in advance, and there are no contracts or minimum purchase obligations: you decide how often the lunch is delivered.

For organizations that want to implement the staff lunch as a standard fringe benefit, that flexibility is particularly valuable: you can start small and scale up as soon as it becomes clear that the team appreciates it.

View our weekly menu or request a free trial lunch to experience how this works in practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a staff lunch?

A staff lunch is a lunch provided by the employer for employees, often as part of personnel policy or fringe benefits. This can range from a simple sandwich lunch to a daily fresh buffet.

Is a staff lunch taxable as wages?

Yes, a regular lunch at the office is considered remuneration in kind in the Netherlands and falls under the Work Expenses Scheme. The Tax and Customs Administration applies a fixed standard amount for this, which amounts to €4.05 per meal in 2026. Consult the current rules via the Tax and Customs Administration or your accountant, as this amount is reviewed annually.

What are the benefits of a staff lunch for employers?

A catered lunch contributes to the work atmosphere, connection between colleagues, and attractive employer branding. It is a visible, daily investment in employee well-being, which, particularly in a tight labor market, can contribute to staff retention and satisfaction.

How do I arrange a staff lunch for my office?

Kokkies Lunch Club provides daily or weekly business lunches at the office, available for flexible ordering without a contract or minimum purchase. View the weekly menu or request a trial lunch to get started.