You already know that there are big connection benefits of sharing a meal with your team.

It's one of those things that we all know we should do but it often gets bumped when the pressure's on.

However, according to research at Cornell University, eating with your colleagues offers many nourishing benefits.

These advantages can include stronger employee relationships, increased engagement, inclusiveness, better wellness and team morale.

Employers can expect to see a boost in productivity if they encourage their employees to eat meals together thanks to the improved camaraderie.

According to the study's author, Kevin Kniffin, “From an evolutionary anthropology perspective, eating together has a long, primal tradition as a kind of social glue. That seems to continue in today’s workplaces.”

Benefits of Workplace Meals

There are many reasons to hang out at the group dining table including;

• Building Trust & Social Relationships - It's an opportunity to deepen connections, strengthen team bonds and learn about your team as people including their hobbies, interests and about their family life.
• Relieving stress - It's a break from the computer and engages your team in social interactions which is a great way to alleviate tension and promote a more positive atmosphere.
• Celebrating Diversity - It's a chance to come together and celebrate your team's differences whilst enjoying a shared experience.
• Fostering a Supportive team - Allowing time for people to share what's happening in their lives, good and bad, gives an opportunity for people to support each other and be more sympathetic to life's challenges.

Ideas for Action 👉

Here are some ways that you can get your team eating together regularly;

• Lead by Example: Show your team that eating together is important to you by participating in group lunches yourself. Your enthusiasm will likely encourage others to join in!
• Organise Regular Team Lunches: Schedule regular team lunches or breakfasts where everyone can gather together to eat and socialise. Lock it in the diary so it becomes part of the team’s routine.
• Celebrate Special Occasions: Use team meals as an opportunity to celebrate birthdays, work anniversaries or other milestones. It’s a great way to show appreciation for your team members and show you care.
  
• Plan Fun Activities: Incorporate fun activities or themes into your team meals to make them more enjoyable. This could include a bake-off, a cooking competition, or themed food days!
• Create or go to a Welcoming Space: Provide a comfortable and inviting space where team members can gather to eat, whether it’s a designated lunch area in the office or a lunch spot nearby.

So next time, you question if it's a worthwhile investment of your time, you can rest assured, this is time well spent!

This Week's Painting 🖼️

Take a moment to reflect on what I've shared by watching me paint this week's painting, "Keep it Lemon" 🍋 inspired by Pancake Day's requirement for this zingy fruit below 👇