A study published in 2015 in the journal Human Performance claims that having lunch with work colleagues boosts the performance of employees.

Sharing a meal boosts team spirit

This study is based on an experiment carried out in a fire station. Supervisors were asked to rate the performance of firemen from 1 to 10 and indicate how many meals they shared with others during the week. It emerged that those who prefer to dine alone performed less well.

Indeed, employees who take the time to eat together, in the dining room or canteen, talk in a more spontaneous and casual manner. This exchange fosters a better understanding of the personality of others and how they react, thereby facilitating communication at work. According to Kevin Kniffin, one of the study’s authors, this break time during the day strengthens ties between people far more than a scheduled meeting in an office. He explains that the practice of eating together is an old ritual that creates social relationships, and this includes in the workplace.

A ritual that many French are already implementing

According to a survey conducted by RegionsJob, it would appear that 62% of employees eat with their colleagues at lunchtime and this figure rises to 75% for Parisians. So where’s the best place to eat: in the canteen, in a room provided by the company, or in a restaurant – irrespective of the place, the most important thing is to spend some friendly time together and go back to work in the afternoon having recharged your batteries. For some people, co-workers almost take on the role of a second family, and this camaraderie benefits them greatly and structures their day.

This study therefore shows how important is it for companies, if they are not already convinced, to invest in spaces where employees can congregate and talk, fostering cooperation and communication in order to boost their performance, but also, and above all else, to enhance team solidarity.

 

Establishing shared spaces in companies – are you convinced?