Reap the rewards of a break — taking lunch , even if just going for a walk , helps spur creativity at work .
Think Outside the Lunch Box
Mix up your company ’ s culture with these four different takes on team lunches that promote engagement — and fun .
Lunch and learns not only get employees away from their desks but also foster company culture . Rethink your approach to capture the invaluable benefit these culture-building opportunities offer .
1INTER-OFFICE MIX-UP . Skip the costly catered lunches . Form an “ experience team ” to organize simple , in-office lunches prepared by employees . Collaborate on different recipes . Choose quality foods . Then make sure you have a space that ’ s good for dining .
2TRY NEW RESTAURANTS . “ Lunch roulette ,” developed by employees at Kickstarter , randomized monthly lunch outings to promote interdepartmental team building . One developer even wrote code to organize it , though that ’ s not necessary to have a good experience . Simply throw restaurant names in a hat or choose at random .
3KARAOKE / DANCE OFF . Take a tip from LunchBeat , an informal movement that encourages an hour-long dance break in the middle of the day . Not that daring ? Try a light-hearted karaoke competition or a twist on the lip sync battle .
4OUTSIDE THE BOX . While company-related lessons educate employees , consider presenting non-traditional topics . Tap into workers ’ passions or outside projects , inviting them to share what they do outside of work . This requires organization and buy-in from willing team members , but is well worth it .
Strengthen Culture Across the Table
Any activity that gets employees interacting with different people promotes creativity , strengthens connections , and builds your company ’ s culture .
ÎÎCONNECT ACROSS DISCIPLINES . Interact with associates and colleagues on different teams . Learn what other departments are doing , and gain access to leaders who employees may not otherwise encounter on a regular basis .
ÎÎBUILD CAMARADERIE . Sharing a meal enables individuals to connect through free-flowing interactions . These informal conversations may lead to new friendships — or brainstorming and communication about new ideas and concepts .
ÎÎLEARN SOMETHING . Whether it ’ s a new dance move , a new restaurant or an employee they ’ ve never met , chances are any lunch-and-learn will expose associates to something new . Learning , especially when done outside the confines of the desk , invigorates people — keeping them engaged and bringing new ideas to life .
Great culture comes from great relationships . Learn how you can strengthen your business relationship with Sterling National Bank by calling 855.274.2800 .
20 | SNB . COM // CONNECT CULTURE WINTER 2017