The popular shared workspaces and technology startup, WeWork, has banned employees from expensing meals containing red meat, poultry or pork. The no-meat policy also affects events and self-serve kiosks at company locations. WeWork claims the move is to reduce personal environmental impact, but it feels more like a branding strategy.
Implementing these policies seems drastic, but it does help keep a company memorable among competitors. Much like Starbucks banning plastic straws, we’re beginning to see a shift in economic value: a company’s stance on particular issues can hold more value to consumers than the products or services themselves.
– Erin O’Brien, 360 Media, Inc.