Instacart’s Move into Workplace Meal Benefits Signals the Future of Flexible Work Perks

Instacart is once again working to capitalize on the growth of hybrid and flexible work by expanding its range of food delivery services. 

The company recently announced a strategic partnership with Sharebite, a meal benefits platform that targets in-office, remote, and hybrid workers.  

According to a report published by Progressive Grocer, companies who use the service will be able to provide their employees with a meal allowance through a Visa card — usable for Instacart orders from grocery stores or restaurant delivery services. 

With the fading of traditional 9-to-5 office work lifestyles and the rise of remote and hybrid work models, the way employees access daily meals during work hours is also transforming. Food and lifestyle companies like Instacart and Peloton have been investing into these work-life balance trends.  

These kinds of workplace services and amenities provided could increase overall employee job satisfaction and improve employee retention rates. New food services allow for easier access to fresh groceries and meals regardless of an employee’s work location. Additionally, these benefits are not just tailored for individual workers but also extend to a company’s communal food needs, like stocking office kitchens or catering for onsite meetings, according to the report.  

As the workforce prepares to enter 2024, work environments are likely to see more of these kinds of collaborations that cater specifically to the flexible office lifestyle. As a recent Gallup Poll reveals, only two in ten employees are working entirely on-site, with the majority adopting remote or hybrid models. 

Instacart’s expansion into food services that cater specifically to hybrid businesses is a step towards developing workplace amenities that could meet modern workplace demands. As more companies continue to adapt to the changing needs of their employees, such partnerships might offer a glimpse into a future where work and life balance is supported through these kinds of third-party services.