Sweet Treats Take First Place in the Office
Office life gets a sugary boost—a fresh Virgin Media O2 Business Movers Index shows that British staff are spending a staggering £57 million every week on chocolate. It’s more than just a snack; it’s becoming a daily morale‑mixer.
Why are we buying donuts & candy when we work?
When the working‑from‑home trend hit the fan, 82 % of people admitted to tweaking how they spend their money, mainly because the cost of living is creeping up. Yet the buzz of office perks and the lure of a “real” workplace are giving a tasty boost back to spending habits.
Treat‑time habits in the office
- 54 % of workers say they’re more likely to grab sweets or snacks when they’re actually sitting at their desks.
- 52 % treat themselves as a reward for showing up in person.
- 24 % have actually purchased more in the past three months.
In the office break‑room, most Brits line up for the classic “coffee‑and‑cookies” combo:
- coffee – 49 %
- soft drinks – 47 %
- chocolates/sweets – 40 %
- break‑fast items – 40 %
The top picks for chocolate bars in the office include:
- Cadbury Dairy Milk – 21 %
- KitKat – 15 %
- Cadbury Twirl, Kinder Bueno, Galaxy – each around 10‑9 %
More than a quick bite
It’s not just about taste. 38 % say a sweet snack boosts their energy, 37 % say it keeps their mood high, and 34 % treat it as a breather from work. Gen Z professionals are the big fans, with 86 % purchasing a treat at least once a week.
Companies are stepping up
One‑third (33 %) of businesses have upped the ante on office perks:
- free lunches on certain days – 23 %
- free drinks – 22 %
- free snacks – 17 %
- even free pizza – 11 %
Weekend cravings and the “sweet” shift
People are tweaking discretionary spending when the weekend rolls around:
- 38 % spend less on non‑essential items.
- take‑out dinner – 36 %
- pub or bar – 17 %
- Sunday roast – 17 %
- dessert or sweet treat at home – 34 %
Half of Brits (45 %) expect spending to dip in the next quarter, especially Gen Z (61 %). Still, office culture keeps the sweet treat economy humming.
O2’s “Blue Mondays” to swipe your sweet escape
Priority from O2 is giving away two million exclusive rewards and prizes over the year with a fresh customer initiative called Blue Mondays. From free Tony’s Chocolonely bars to holiday vouchers at lastminute.com, these goodies aim to bring a grin to the start of every week.
Quote from the leader behind the movement
Jessica O’Connor, Product Director at Virgin Media O2 Business, says: “The way people work has changed, and so have their spending habits. Small treats are becoming an essential part of office culture, helping employees take a quick break and to return feeling energised. This trend isn’t just good for morale, it’s making a real impact on the wider economy, driving spending in local shops, cafés, and physical retail stores.”
“With businesses creating more inviting work environments and employees spending more time in the office, the workplace is a vital hub for economic activity—one chocolate bar at a time.”
