Connect Catering has been recognised in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026, following outstanding results in a nationwide employee engagement survey.
The independent contract caterer, which provides catering services to a number of independent schools across the South of England, achieved an overall employee engagement score of 88%, rated Excellent and 8% above the hospitality sector average.
The survey measures key areas including wellbeing, leadership, empowerment, reward and recognition, job satisfaction and workplace culture.
Connect Catering also recorded exceptionally strong wellbeing and retention figures, with just 4% of employees considered at risk of poor wellbeing, compared with a hospitality benchmark of 38%, while only 6% were identified as a potential “flight risk”, significantly lower than the sector benchmark of 40%.
Additional survey findings showed that 93% of employees feel safe in their working environment, 92% have a good relationship with their manager, 89% are proud to work for the organisation, and 87% have confidence in management.
Victoria Murrell, CEO of Connect Catering, said:
“We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and these results reflect the positive, supportive culture we have worked hard to build. This achievement belongs to every member of the Connect Catering team.”
Alongside investment in employee development and wellbeing initiatives, Connect Catering supports charitable causes, offers paid volunteering days and matches employee fundraising. As a trusted catering partner to independent schools, the company believes creating a positive workplace helps attract and retain talented teams committed to delivering exceptional dining experiences for pupils and school communities.
Categories: Sector News
