Hit the books with these 7 lunch-n-learn ideas

By Melanie Vandenboogaard

Lunch—it’s a time to relax and refuel before getting back to work. Ninety-four percent of employees say they feel happier opens in new window when they break for lunch during the workday. Yet, according to one survey, nearly 40% of people work right through their lunch break. Pressing deadlines and a heavy workload are often the culprits. To help employees feel productive yet still be re-energized during lunch, host a lunch-n-learn.

Lunch-n-learns are exactly what they sound like—employees gather for lunch while also learning something. Lunch-n-learns can also aid in retention. According to one survey, employees who are offered professional development opportunities are 15% more engaged and have a 34% higher retention rate opens in new window. Read on for seven lunch-n-learn ideas sure to nourish your team‘s body and mind.

1. Conduct cross-training

Help your team bond while they learn new skills with a cross-training lunch-n-learn. Arrange for a specialist on the team to present some basics about their skillset to the rest of the group. Or if a team just wrapped up a big project or returned from an event, they can provide highlights and lessons learned. Place a Non-Woven Lunch Sack Cooler or Ombre Lunch Cooler at each attendee’s seat. Fill it with a simple yet healthy lunch, like cold cut and veggie wraps plus a side salad in a branded Salad Shaker Set. For a sweet surprise, tuck a package of Salt Water Taffy Bites in the bottom.

2. Explain changes

Change can be stressful for staff. Clear up any confusion about policy changes, technology updates and more with a lunch-n-learn that explains what’s new. Be sure to leave time for Q&A so no one is left with any lingering questions. Order a variety of sub sandwiches that staff can grab on their way in. Brighten the mood with Colorware Paper Plates and Cutlery Sets.

To boost engagement and as a thank-you for attending, hold a prize drawing for a few Meal Prep Lunch Sets. This lunch cooler—complete with a bottle, snack and sauce containers, meal containers and a spoon—makes it easy for recipients to bring their favorite lunch to work every day.

3. Delve into new products/services

Is your company rolling out a new product? Or adding a new service to its existing line? Train your team on its ins and outs with a lunch-n-learn. After all, if your team feels confident explaining new offerings to clients, they’ll be more likely to tell customers about them. Provide a hot, delicious lunch to incentivize attendance. Anything from pulled pork to pasta is sure to get employees hungry for learning. Hand out a Ridge Line Cooler with Glass Container Lunch Set. The included container with lid is perfect for leftovers. Fill Mood Stadium Cups with iced tea, lemonade and water and allow employees to take their cups home.

4. Volunteer

Many nonprofits focus on education initiatives to spread awareness about their cause. Support a local nonprofit while also promoting your business when you sponsor a charity lunch-n-learn. Provide crackers, meats and cheeses; Treat Cups with Nuts; and Bottled Water—all branded with your logo. Leave a sweet impression when you include an individually wrapped Gourmet Cookie. Further boost engagement by holding a prize drawing for anyone who participates. Prizes can include Locking Lid Lunch Containers, Portable Cutlery and a Refresh Simplex Tumbler with Straw.

5. Give employees the lead

Help employees improve their public speaking skills while teaching the team something they’re passionate by offering employee-led education sessions. Topics can include anything from storytelling to positivity to leadership. While sandwiches and chips make for a great free lunch, switch it up with something like crockpot chili or a taco bar. For virtual employees, provide a gift card so they can order lunch from home. Encourage people to ask questions by entering those who do into a raffle for fun prizes, like a Sandbar Party Cooler, a Koozie^® Lunch Duffel Cooler or a Polar Circle Lunch Cooler.

6. Promote DEI conversations

Continuously help your organization improve diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) by promoting regular conversations about the topic. Staff members may feel more encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas in a relaxed lunch-n-learn environment—so rather than presenting, approach it as an open dialogue. Provide Nibble Lunch Containers packed with something fresh and different, like fruit, nuts, cheese and crackers, or sushi rolls. Keep the conversation going long after the lunch-n-learn by using a suggestion box accessible online or in-person. Enter associates who contribute into a prize drawing for a Metal Cutlery To-Go 3-Piece Set, sure to come in handy for future lunches.

7. Engage the community

Engage the community and staff with an open house featuring a lunch-n-learn on an interesting topic, such as wellness. Provide short, easy-to-implement tips on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle while juggling work, life, school, kids and more. Pack healthy, delicious lunches—from Caesar chicken wraps to veggie pizza—in fun, nostalgic brown paper sacks. Fill a Chow Bella Glass Bento Box with Cutlery with cheesecake or pie for dessert. Attendees can take their glass container home, and each time it gets used they’ll be reminded of your brand. Hand out reusable dressing containers and Grab Lunch Cutlery Sets as participation favors.

Lunch-n-learn for the win

With these seven ideas for hosting lunch-n-learns for your employees and community, you’ll help boost people’s skills and knowledge, while making a great reputation for your business. Bon Appétit!

Melanie Vandenboogaard

Melanie VandenBoogaard is a senior merchandising category manager with nearly two decades of experience in the merchandising industry. She specializes in bags—including backpacks, totes, and more—staying on top of trends to ensure 4imprint offers a wide selection that meets customers’ needs in both style and price. Melanie also leads product development for 4imprint’s private-label brands, where she enjoys creating, building, and designing new products.

All marks are the property of 4imprint or their respective owners.