The 'Lunch Refugee' Problem in Central Offices is Worsening. What is the New Alternative to Company Cafeterias Revealed by an Industry-Specific Office Lunch Survey? ~Deciphering Data from 35 Companies using Shashoku DELI~
Wao Co., Ltd., provider of the corporate bento delivery service "Shashoku DELI," released a report on office lunch challenges based on data from 35 adopting companies, revealing an increase in "lunch refugees."
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- 📰 Published: April 3, 2026 at 23:03
- 🔍 Collected: April 3, 2026 at 18:04
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Wao Co., Ltd., which operates the corporate bento delivery service "Shashoku DELI," has released a research report on the "Reality and Challenges of Office Lunches by Industry" based on case data from 35 companies that have adopted their service. Against the backdrop of office relocations to central areas and soaring prices, it has become clear that many companies are facing a "lunch refugee" problem.
## ■ Background of the Survey
In recent years, the nature of the office has changed significantly due to office relocations accompanying redevelopment in central areas, and the establishment of hybrid work combining remote work and going to the office. Consequently, new challenges have emerged regarding the employees' "lunch environment." In this survey, we analyzed the challenges faced by 35 companies that introduced Shashoku DELI and agreed to an interview, highlighting the reality of modern office lunches.
## ■ Survey Result Highlights
### 1. Trigger for Introduction
The number one reason is the "abolition/closure of the company cafeteria," followed by "office relocation." Approximately 60% (22 companies) of the adopting companies abolished their existing employee cafeterias due to the maintenance costs of kitchen equipment and space issues, and introduced bento sales as an alternative. Furthermore, about 30% (11 companies) introduced it taking the opportunity of an "office relocation." In particular, "elevator congestion" and "shortage/high prices of surrounding restaurants" caused by moving to high-rise offices have become serious issues.
### 2. Characteristics of Lunch Issues by Industry
**IT and Information Communication Industry (6 adopting companies):** Often having offices in central areas (Marunouchi, Toranomon, etc.), the main issues are "soaring prices of surrounding lunches" and "lack of communication when coming to the office." Many expressed hope for activating internal communication using bento as a hook.
**Real Estate and Construction Industry (6 adopting companies):** Due to work styles involving dispersion across multiple bases and frequent back-and-forth between sites and offices, "ease" and "convenience to eat in a short time" are required.
**Manufacturing and Chemical Industry (6 adopting companies):** There is a high need for "alternatives to aging cafeterias" at factories and large-scale business sites, with an emphasis on "menu variety" that can accommodate diverse age groups and genders.
## ■ "Shashoku DELI" as a Solution
To address these challenges, "Shashoku DELI" is being chosen as it can be introduced without initial costs or construction, offering dozens of types of bento every day. Feedback from adopting companies includes, "Lunch time became a trigger for communication among employees (17 companies)," and "Employee satisfaction dramatically improved (23 companies)," functioning as a "tool for organizational activation" beyond merely providing meals.
## ■ Background of the Survey
In recent years, the nature of the office has changed significantly due to office relocations accompanying redevelopment in central areas, and the establishment of hybrid work combining remote work and going to the office. Consequently, new challenges have emerged regarding the employees' "lunch environment." In this survey, we analyzed the challenges faced by 35 companies that introduced Shashoku DELI and agreed to an interview, highlighting the reality of modern office lunches.
## ■ Survey Result Highlights
### 1. Trigger for Introduction
The number one reason is the "abolition/closure of the company cafeteria," followed by "office relocation." Approximately 60% (22 companies) of the adopting companies abolished their existing employee cafeterias due to the maintenance costs of kitchen equipment and space issues, and introduced bento sales as an alternative. Furthermore, about 30% (11 companies) introduced it taking the opportunity of an "office relocation." In particular, "elevator congestion" and "shortage/high prices of surrounding restaurants" caused by moving to high-rise offices have become serious issues.
### 2. Characteristics of Lunch Issues by Industry
**IT and Information Communication Industry (6 adopting companies):** Often having offices in central areas (Marunouchi, Toranomon, etc.), the main issues are "soaring prices of surrounding lunches" and "lack of communication when coming to the office." Many expressed hope for activating internal communication using bento as a hook.
**Real Estate and Construction Industry (6 adopting companies):** Due to work styles involving dispersion across multiple bases and frequent back-and-forth between sites and offices, "ease" and "convenience to eat in a short time" are required.
**Manufacturing and Chemical Industry (6 adopting companies):** There is a high need for "alternatives to aging cafeterias" at factories and large-scale business sites, with an emphasis on "menu variety" that can accommodate diverse age groups and genders.
## ■ "Shashoku DELI" as a Solution
To address these challenges, "Shashoku DELI" is being chosen as it can be introduced without initial costs or construction, offering dozens of types of bento every day. Feedback from adopting companies includes, "Lunch time became a trigger for communication among employees (17 companies)," and "Employee satisfaction dramatically improved (23 companies)," functioning as a "tool for organizational activation" beyond merely providing meals.