Question

Why do some companies provide free or inexpensive meals for their employees? Are they behaving ethically by doing so?

a) Yes, it enhances employee well-being and productivity.
b) No, it's an unnecessary expense.
c) Yes, it fosters a positive work culture.
d) No, it's a strategy to keep employees on-site longer.

Answer 1

Companies provide free or inexpensive meals to employees as it can enhance well-being, increase productivity, and foster a positive work culture. These practices are ethically positive and align with Efficiency Wage theory, indicating that well-compensated workers are more motivated and productive.

Step-by-step explanation:

Companies provide free or inexpensive meals to their employees for a variety of reasons. Providing meals can enhance employee well-being and productivity, as well as foster a positive work culture. From an ethical standpoint, these practices can be viewed as positive when they support the holistic needs of employees. The provision of meals can indeed make employees feel valued, potentially increase their productivity, and reinforce a sense of community within the workplace. This aligns with the theory of Efficiency Wage, which suggests that better-compensated workers are likely to be more productive, motivated, and loyal to their employer, thus saving the company on costs associated with turnover and training.