How to Run Successful Lunch and Learn Events

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There are no free lunches; however, for employees of many companies, “lunch and learn” occasions are closed!

These informal development and training sessions are held while eating and, in return for your participation and time, the boss pick the money.

In this article we look at how this strategy can improve the engagement of your staff and encourage them to take on new challenges.

There are better options for some types of training, and we highlight the mistakes to avoid and offer eight suggestions to run a thriving lunch and learning session that will benefit everyone.

Table of Contents

What Are Lunch and Learns?

Lunch and Learns are also called “learn at lunch” or “brown bag” events (“brown bag” refers to the method that people use to pack their lunches to work). The average length of each session is between 30 and 45 mins.

Since they are held during the lunch hour, They are typically informal and provide a more casual environment than a formal seminar or training session.

An event for lunch and learning can allow coworkers in different departments to connect and exchange their expertise and experience. For instance, it could be a singular event where the new business manager will outline the company’s sales strategy.

It could also be an ongoing course over some weeks or even a development team instructing your employees on programming fundamentals.

However, lunch and learning events can be centered around something other than your primary business tasks. They are also an excellent opportunity to spread the importance of exercise or well-being to promote volunteer opportunities for your business or its charity activities or to interact with experts from outside such as.

The company usually pays for the meals to encourage participants to participate. If the event is scheduled on short notice or the attendees prefer to bring their food.

Note:

Because they’re optional because they are not mandatory, lunch and learning events are not appropriate for legally compulsory training, teaching fundamental core skills, or communicating important company information.

The Benefits of Lunch and Learns

Lunch and learns are an informal, social alternative to conventional “top-down” or classroom-based learning. It is an excellent opportunity to create an environment that encourages learning and sharing knowledge within your workplace. It can promote cooperation and teamwork and aid in eliminating barriers.

Understanding other people’s duties and responsibilities benefits colleagues’ professional development. It will make them more flexible, more receptive to changes in business requirements, and better equipped to take over when colleagues are unavailable.

An launch and learn could also provide a “safe” environment for people to improve their confidence in giving presentations and talking in public. It’s much less daunting to stand before your colleagues at lunchtime rather than take the stage in front of an audience of potential customers.

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In addition, providing guests with food for free is an excellent way for your company to demonstrate that you appreciate your employees and the hard work they put into it.

The Drawbacks of Lunch and Learns

However, despite these advantages, Lunch and Learns have some drawbacks.

Be wary of using up all of your team members’ time. Many of us prefer having lunch with friends; however, some are more reserved or require this time to rest and recharge. People may become angry if forced to attend, or events are held too frequently.

However, “extra-milers” or those susceptible to “hurry sickness” might feel like they’re missing out on something if they do not attend. Adding lunchtime events to a busy working schedule can put your team members under more pressure, regardless of how beneficial or enjoyable the event might be.

Another disadvantage could be that eating lunch or learning events can be a way to exclude remote employees and those working part-time, which could make them feel marginalized or ostracized.

A lack of food choices could also lead you to exclude people with specific dietary needs accidentally. Be sure to know whom you will invite beforehand and talk to them about their requirements and preferences.

8 Tips For Successful Lunch and Learns

No hard and fast rules govern how you manage your lunches and education. It’s up to you to determine what is appropriate for your company and will benefit your staff.

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There are practical tips that can be applied to all situations. Here are eight suggestions to remember when you’re planning your lunch and learning to gather:

Decide What You Want to Achieve

If your focus on developing team members, life skills, and business objectives, be aware that you’re asking people to take a lunch break. A good meal will inspire people; however, there’s more to a satisfying lunch and learning session than pizza for free!

Make sure your event is worth attending, exciting and relevant. If the topic resonates with people, they will be delighted to go. To get ideas, you can ask your team members what they value most, in and out of work, and what they want to know.

Know the Numbers

Choose in advance if the event is for an identified (or specially invited) number of participants or whether it’s open for everyone.

In any case, send invitations and ask attendees to respond quickly so that you know how many will attend and prepare according to the numbers.

Focus on the Food

Lunches must be cooked in advance and paid for; therefore, you should negotiate the budget with your HR manager or HR dept., and then communicate with your facility or catering manager or decide how you’ll be able to claim back the expense.

Be aware of the type of food you’ll serve. A lot will depend on your budget; however, small, healthy snacks you can eat using your fingers are usually the best option as they are more calming than hot meals and produce less mess.

If lunch and learning events are regular, you should change the menu frequently to keep attendees engaged. Also, make sure that there is enough food for both the speakers and the guests!

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Also, consider whether you’ll need to procure plates, cutlery, and other items and who will clean up after the event.

Choose an Appropriate Venue

For example, facilities that accommodate eating, such as atriums, canteens, and breakout spaces, are frequently famous for lunch and learning.

They are susceptible to interruptions and noise. However, it would be best if you also considered meeting rooms and conference rooms. These rooms will likely provide projection capabilities and could be more accessible to electrical outlets.

Alternatively, you can hold your lunch at your place and take your classes alone. If this is the case, research the location thoroughly and confirm the details of your reservation before the event date.

Choose a Frequency

In many businesses, lunch and learning are regular activities. For instance, weekly Fridays are popular for lighter topics with a more relaxed “weekend” feel.

If your classes focus on business or skills, regular or periodic sessions will help reduce the possibility of “learning fatigue.”

Remember Remote Workers

Apps for video and audio conferencing like Skype and GoToMeeting allow remote coworkers to participate in lunch and take part in learning activities from experience in “real-time.”

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If it’s impossible for any reason, such as a significant time difference, for example, you could consider recording the meeting instead and making it accessible to all employees in your company.

Promote the Event

People will only come to your lunch and take notes about it if they know it’s taking place!

Promote the event in advance as soon as the event’s speaker and venue have been confirmed. Also, give the attendees enough time to get back. Emails can be overlooked. So, distribute invitations to your calendar, use your company’s intranet and Slack channels, or display physical posters or flyers.

Create a “buzz” around your program of lunch and learning events and communicate that suggestions and contributions are welcomed.

Break the Ice

Participation and discussion are essential for successfully running the lunch and learn program, even if it’s set around using a PowerPoint presentation or keynote speaker.

Consider ways to cut through the barriers and encourage people to participate. Some participants may not have a connection with each other, so this could be as easy as asking all participants to introduce themselves before you start or figuring out what they are interested in regarding this meeting.

Wrapping Up

“Lunch and learns” are informal gatherings, training sessions, or presentations held at lunchtime and in which the company supplies food.

They bring employees from your business in a casual setting to learn, collaborate, and drive personal, team, and even business growth.

To create a good lunch and learn program, consider your themes and goals, the number of attendees, the frequency at which the event will be held, the quantity and type of food you’ll serve, and the location you’ll require.

Afterward, you should promote the event within your business and motivate your employees to participate.