I never know, should I be offering them lunch? Of course I offer water, coffee, whatever, but when I make PB&J for my kids, should I go ask the gentleman redoing my bathroom if he wants one? I don't want him to feel obliged to eat my food, (today I made quinoa and black beans for lunch--not a very mainstream dish) ;-) but also don't want to be rude. I NEVER see this dude eat, and he's worked at our house about 6 days on various projects.
It would be nice. When I do weddings I know it is extremely expensive to feed everyone and most often they offer me something to eat. I try to eat after the guests and if it is not buffet style, I just ask for a salad. I do bring some food, but not a full meal. Anyway, the offer makes me really happy.
I just casually say "I have some nice baked ham, would you like a sandwich?"
Better to ask, than not, is my thinking.
no you are not obligated to offer them food. Although it would be a super nice gesture and I sure it would be appreciated. Not a here have this food but hey I have some extra would you like some type of thing.
I was raised in a home where if you were at the house you were invited to join us for a meal. My Mother always said, "Never eat in front of others unless you have enough for everyone". So I would be uncomfortable if I had my meal the they did not.
When you sign contracts to have people in your home to make repairs, ask. Ask the person you are doing business with if the workers will bring their own lunch or if you are to provide lunch for them. You can also ask if you should provide beverages of any kind. Or just tell them you will make space in your fridge for them.
My husband and his helpers work in other people's homes all the time. They are not offered food, sometimes beverages. When workers are at my house I always offer coffee (if I have it ready) and cold beverages.
I love the idea of telling workers they can put their lunches in the fridge!, it tells them they can take their lunch break at your house and dont need to go out to lunch which gives them more time to work on your house! Also tell them which bathroom to use so they don't feel awkward using your bathroom, of course they have needs but some people would not want them to use their bathroom which means a drive to a convenient store or gas station.
Not obligated but its nice. I made food for my moving team. They seemed to liek it!
Workers usually bring their own food, but if you wanted to offer some food (tuna, salami, bologna, egg salad etc., with some water, coffee, cold beverage and/or fruit)..and you can afford it, that is going to win you a LOT of GOODWILL...you might be surprised how much extra work you and your family will receive.
PS...Forget the PB&J...these guys are working their buns off.
I had workers outside my home and I just put out water and homemade cookies as a snack. They always took a lunch hour, so the cookies were just a thank you for them. For your situation I would put out something that's easy for him to help himself and just say there's snacks on the counter if you want some.
About a year ago when a tree fell on our house, we had a repair man who was working on the house. I always offered him lunch, I just felt weird feeding everyone and not him. Sometimes he took me up and other times he didn't.
Well, you can always offer and if he says no, then all is well. They are usually on a job, bring lunch or plan sometime to eat so if you see they work eight hours straight and nothing then they will appreciate it.
I don't know what to tell you. I have had this question before! I have provided bottled water and soda before but I always feel awkward at lunch time!
They do not expect you to ask them for lunch. They are professional and will provide their own lunch if they want it. You are paying them, most likely by the hour, even when they've given a bid. Their bid is based on how long they think it will take. Do not do anything that distracts them from their work. Friendly conversation is OK as long as it's brief.
If you've struck up a friendly conversation with them and it feels comfortable to ask, it's OK but they'll probably say no. If you're feeling uncomfortable about whether or not to ask the best answer is to not ask.
I always offer our workers everything. Coffee, tea, food, cookies, whatever. I want them to be comfortable, and to have a nice feeling about working in my house. I have even made cookies for them. Sometimes they will pass on something, but that is OK, at least they know that you are appreciative of them.
My decorating crew and I were offered lunch yesterday and today.
We arrived at 9:00 am and did not leave until 5:00 yesterday and 4:00 today. This homeowner also had the housekeeper, 2 people they hired to do her Christmas tree and 3 men putting up the outdoor wreaths, garlands and lights. All of us were there all day.
I always have drinks in a cooler, fresh fruit and peanut butter crackers or cheese crackers.
We usually do not stop for a meal.but most of my clients do offer/insist we join them for lunch. Yesterday was fancy pizza and salad today subs and chips and left over pizza. I took a cinnamon roll bread from a local bakery from my side of town to them. So they could enjoy it with coffee.
They offer and we always are appreciative and let them know we have snacks, but when they insist we do not want to offend. It is nice to share a quick meal all together. But not expected.
I always offer to buy pizza or hoagies and provide soda/ bottled water. I figure if the people working for me aren't worth an extra $8 for lunch per day I should not have hired them. Usually the guys that have worked for me only except lunch one or two times anyway.
They usually bring their own food or all eat out at fast food.
It's still nice to offer, water, iced tea (on hot days) & coffee on cold days though they usually bring their own.
I don't offer them anything. I feel weird about it, but usually they bring their home food.
With that said, I had this old guy put some dry walls up for me. He didn't 'eat a thing all week. I didn't see him he to the bathroom either., It was just weird and awkward, but I figured he was a grown man, he could ask me for things if he needed them. Otherwise, workers usually provide for themselves. One painter always asked me to put his lunch in my frig.
