Titre-restaurant or company canteen for employee meals?

Employee meals are essential to well-being, productivity and employee loyalty. Two main solutions are available to companies: meal vouchers and company restaurants. One offers flexibility and freedom of choice, while the other promotes conviviality and simplifies food logistics. Each of these options has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the optimum choice depends on many factors, often linked to the specific needs of each organization. Dive into our article and familiarize yourself with these 2 catering options!

‍

Ticket Restaurant: definition, advantages and disadvantages

The Ticket Restaurant, introduced in France in 1967, is a social benefit offered by many companies. 

Meal vouchers 

Luncheon vouchers are prepaid payments issued by employers to their employees to finance their meals. It takes the form of a paper booklet or a rechargeable electronic card. It is accepted in a wide variety of catering establishments, including restaurants, supermarkets and bakeries. 

The cost of a meal voucher depends on several factors: 

• Its value. This is determined by the company, but must comply with the legal ceilings in force. 

• The employer's contribution. The employer must finance between 50% and 60% of the face value of the meal voucher. Employees must pay between 40 and 50% of the cost.

Calculation example :

If a company decides to provide luncheon vouchers worth €10.00 :

• The employer's contribution will be between €5.00 and €6.00 per ticket.
• The employee's contribution will be between €4.00 and €5.00 per ticket.

In addition to the direct contribution to the luncheon voucher, the company may also have to bear administrative and management costs, invoiced by the companies issuing luncheon vouchers. These costs vary according to the service provider and the volume of tickets ordered.

The employer's contribution to employee meal vouchers is exempt from social security contributions7.18 for vouchers issued on or after January 1, 2024. 

The 4 benefits of luncheon vouchers 

1. Flexibility and freedom of choice : The main advantage of luncheon vouchers is the freedom they offer employees. They can choose when and where to use their meal vouchers, according to their wishes and schedule, near their workplace, at home or even when they're out and about. 

2. Geographical adaptability : For companies located in urban areas or geographically dispersed, the meal voucher is a practical solution. It avoids the logistical constraints of setting up a company restaurant.

3. Attractiveness for SMEs : For small and medium-sized businesses, the meal voucher represents an accessible, low-cost alternative to setting up a company restaurant. It offers a significant social benefit without the need for heavy investment.

4. Cost for companies : Meal vouchers represent a fixed, predictable expense, partially exempt from social security charges, making them an economically viable option for SMEs and start-ups.

The disadvantages of luncheon vouchers 

1. Administrative management : Distributing and managing tickets can represent a considerable administrative burden. However, dematerialized solutions such as cards or mobile applications tend to simplify this process.

2. Cost to employees: The amount of meal vouchers does not always cover the full cost of a meal, leaving a portion to be paid by employees. You should also be aware that, in certain areas, the number of establishments accepting these vouchers may be limited.

👉 To find out more : The different means of payment in fast-food restaurants

‍

The company restaurant: advantages and disadvantages

The company restaurant is a collective dining area provided by the employer. 

The company restaurant 

The company restaurant is a catering service set up by the employer in or near the workplace. It offers meals prepared on site or by external service providers, often in self-service format. Managed directly by the company or by a specialized service provider, it aims to offer a practical meal solution for employees. The operation of the company restaurant is subject to strict health regulations.

The 4 advantages of a company restaurant 

1. Conviviality and cohesion : The company canteen encourages exchanges between colleagues and reinforces the feeling of belonging to the company. Mealtimes become occasions for conviviality and relaxation, conducive to the creation of social bonds and a pleasant working atmosphere. 

2. Simplified management : For large companies or those located in industrial or rural areas, a company restaurant simplifies meal logistics. It guarantees a healthy, balanced diet tailored to employees' needs.

3. Attractiveness and loyalty : Having a company restaurant is a powerful argument for attracting and retaining talent. It's an advantage perceived positively by employees, who see it as a time-saver and a source of comfort. 

4. Immediate, convenient catering, particularly beneficial in isolated areas or business parks where catering options are limited. What's more, company restaurants also guarantee a balanced, high-quality diet.

The disadvantages of a company restaurant 

1. Installation and running costs: Setting up a company restaurant requires substantial investment in terms of infrastructure, equipment and personnel. These costs can be prohibitive for small and medium-sized companies. You should also be aware that operating costs (food purchases, maintenance, salaries) can be high and variable.

2. Menu repeatability : Meal diversity can be limited in a company restaurant, compared to the variety of options offered by luncheon vouchers. To compensate for this, some restaurants innovate by offering themed menus or calling in outside chefs.

👉 To find out more : 9 tips for better management of your company restaurant

Digitizing company restaurants

The digitization of company canteens marks a significant step forward in the management of catering facilities in the workplace. Omnichannel solutions, offered by companies such as Innovorder, enable employees to order their meals via intuitive mobile applications, guaranteeing greater flexibility and shorter waiting times. 

The digitization of company restaurants goes even further, with technologies such as AI tray scanning. This innovation allows employees to quickly check out in less than 3s by scanning their meal tray, simplifying the payment process and reducing queues. Thanks to AI, it is also possible to analyze diners' food preferences over time, enabling company restaurants to further personalize their offer and tailor menus to employees' specific habits and needs.

Connected fridges are designed to offer a catering solution accessible 24/7. They enable employees to select healthy, balanced meals, available on a self-service basis. Easy to install, they require only an electrical outlet and an Internet connection. Their simple, autonomous operation improves fluidity in catering areas, meeting the needs of companies and administrations.

These digital innovations therefore mitigate some of the traditional drawbacks of company restaurants, such as menu repetitiveness and availability constraints, while boosting operational efficiency and improving the overall experience of employees in the workplace.

👉 To find out more : The 2.0 digital canteen for your lunch break

‍

Corporate catering and productivity

‍Theimpact on employee productivity and performance can be just as positive with meal vouchers as with the company restaurant. A company cafeteria makes it possible to control the nutritional quality of meals, which can be beneficial for employees' health and concentration. Balanced meals and structured break times can thus contribute to better performance. 

The choice between meal vouchers and company restaurants varies according to a number of criteria. It is therefore important to assess the needs of employees and the logistical and financial constraints of each option, in order to adopt the optimum solution. 

-

You want to offer an innovative catering service? Our experts will accompany you from A to Z in your digitalization project.