Connect Catering, the Wallingford-based independent contract caterer, has been recognised in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026 list after achieving strong results in a nationwide employee engagement survey.
The company, which delivers catering services across schools, SEND settings, businesses and care environments, recorded an overall engagement score of 88%, rated “Excellent” and 8% above the hospitality sector average.
The survey assessed key areas including wellbeing, leadership, empowerment, reward and recognition, job satisfaction and overall workplace culture.
Connect Catering also reported particularly strong outcomes in employee wellbeing and retention. Just 4% of staff were identified as being at risk of poor wellbeing, significantly lower than the hospitality benchmark of 38%.
In addition, only 6% of employees were classed as a potential “flight risk”, compared with an industry benchmark of 40%.
Further results highlighted:
- 93% of employees feel safe in their working environment
- 92% report a good relationship with their manager
- 89% feel proud to work for Connect Catering
- 87% expressed confidence in management
Victoria Murrell, CEO of Connect Catering, said the recognition reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to its people.
“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 across the business,” she said.
“Hospitality and catering can be fast-paced industries, so creating an environment where colleagues feel valued, supported and able to develop is hugely important to us. This achievement belongs to every member of the Connect Catering team.”
Alongside investment in staff development and wellbeing initiatives, the company also runs wider social value programmes, including charitable donations, paid volunteering days for employees, and matched staff fundraising.
Connect Catering said the accreditation will further support its focus on recruitment, retention and employee wellbeing as the business continues to grow.
