4 benefits to eating with co-workers
Is it better to eat alone or to share a meal with co-workers? Work psychologists and others say that while there’s something to the peace of solitude of eating alone, sharing a meal with your colleagues or others from your company is your best bet.
Here are four reasons why eating together is better for you and your company.
1 – It builds relationships
Share a meal and build a relationship with friends and other co-workers, says work psychologist Jennifer Newman. It not only allows you to get to know your colleagues better, but small talk can also set the table for more important discussions later on. A lot of information is passed along when co-workers share meals, so people who work and eat alone could miss out.
2 – Learn about your organization
Mealtime can be an excellent networking opportunity, whether it’s within your team or with other people in your organization, Newman says. By sharing meals with new people, you can gain a better perspective of your company. You’ll have the context that others won’t and could see the way to solve more problems.
3 – Leaders can become more accessible
If you manage people, sharing a meal with them can be a great way to have discussions, work through projects, or get to know one another on a personal level. Rather than only interacting with leaders in meetings and office visits, a shared meal once in a while can help a leader connect better with their team.
4 – Take a break
A shared meal is a great time to take a real break from work and recharge from your duties. You are more likely to eat your meal slowly and sit down while you do it. The mental break is excellent for your well-being so take advantage of it.
Get meals for your team
You can encourage your employees to gather for meals with Edenred’s Ticket Restaurant. It is a prepaid card benefit that gives your employees a meal allowance. Employees have an option to eat at multiple restaurants in your area or from food delivery services and grocery stores. You have complete control over the costs.
If you think offering food benefits to your employees is a good option for you and your employees, let’s chat. Schedule a meeting today, and we’ll be happy to review all your options with you.
