National Donut Day is the Real Deal – and Worth an Office Breakfast!

Having a box of donuts as an office breakfast is not a groundbreaking idea. But today is National Donut Day, which always falls on the first Friday and June. That means today is the perfect day to serve up the sugary treats to your employees… but not for the gimmicky reason you might think!

Unlike many of our other pointless “National Fill-in-the-Blank Days,” National Donut Day actually has a fantastic story behind it, and a rich history of patriotism and charity. The annual celebration of donuts dates back nearly a century to the days of World War I, when Salvation Army officers began serving donuts and coffee to soldiers in the trenches across the battlefields of France.

Relatively simple to make with limited supplies (like sugar, lard, and flour), the donuts weren’t just about keeping soldiers fed: they were a warm reminder of the comforts of home. And the Salvation Army began celebrating National Donut Day as a way to commemorate the service of the “donut lassies” — the female volunteers who fried the donuts (sometimes in soldiers’ helmets!) and distributed them among the soldiers, along with providing more practical assistance like writing letters, mending clothes, and cooking meals.

The first National Donut Day was staged in Chicago in 1938, and was also intended to be a fundraiser during the dark days of the Depression for the non-profit organization. Today, especially in Chicago, many donut shops will give out free donuts — but encourage donations for the Salvation Army.

So what, exactly, do donut-delivering volunteers and soldiers in the trenches have to do with celebrating National Donut Day in the office? For one, it’s an admirable way to honor the history and tradition of patriotic service. But secondly, because even though the office is a far cry from the battlefield, offering donuts to your employees can have a similar effect: a little cheer brightens up what might otherwise be a dreary morning, and a much-needed message of gratitude and appreciation is delivered.

And research shows that appreciation goes a very long way in the workplace. A survey conducted last year suggested that employees will work harder and be more faithful to their employer when they feel appreciated. While raises or bonuses were the most preferred means of showing appreciation, food was next in line — about half of all employees surveyed reported that they would love to receive unexpected treats (like lunches, snacks, or catered office breakfast delivery) from their boss.

So follow in the example of the donut lassies, who knew that a simple treat could communicate a meaningful message of appreciation and warmth. One hundred years later, we’re still celebrating their service… and sharing appreciation with your staff could have a lasting impact on the happiness and productivity of your company’s culture. Because if you celebrate National Donut Day in the office, you’re not really celebrating donuts — you’re celebrating your employees.

Whether you’re seeking a box of sugary treats or want to provide a more well-rounded office breakfast for your team, Waiter.com will provide all the backup you need. Abundant menus, easy online ordering, and prompt delivery make it simpler than ever to surprise your staff with a delicious token of your appreciation!