There Is No Problem That Pizza Can’t Solve

If there is one thing I know for a fact, it is that nothing brings a team together like unexpected free work pizza. As leaders we work tirelessly to build a team and then gain respect from that team. We employ all sorts of leadership techniques, read countless articles, participate in leadership forums, and work with mentors to become better bosses. But the one trick they rarely mention through all of these outlets is the power of free food. And let’s be honest, there is no problem that pizza can’t solve.

Employees love food (and I am personally biased towards Pizza) and it can often times be the easiest and most cost-efficient way to boost team morale. A survey by Seamless, a company that specializes in making it possible for your company to order lunch, demonstrates that the way to an employee’s heart is through the stomach.

After surveying 1100 people, results showed that 60 percent of people said that having food at their office would make them feel more valued. Yes, you read that right, I said 60 percent. On top of that, 45 percent of people said that the availability of free lunch would strongly influence their decision to accept a job offer. I’m not saying that you should tell people in an interview that you like to bring in free lunch every once in a while, but if word gets out other ways it can’t hurt!

The final glaring result from the survey showed that 60 percent of people felt that company offered meals would encourage them to eat with their colleagues, which could mean you’ll actually get more work out of your employees, since business can be discussed over lunch. Often times in an office it can be difficult to mingle or talk with employees that you may not have met or feel uncomfortable approaching after a brief introduction. A pizza lunch can bring these people together and create friendships within your team as well as working relationships that may not have existed before.

So when all else fails, call your local pizza shop and order up a few pies for the team (and if you’re in Chicago, make it deep dish and they’ll really love you).

Finally, if you would like to learn more about WorkCompass and our AI powered performance management software. Please get in touch today and request a demo.