If you’re seeking opportunities for your CEO to connect with employees, consider organizing a company-wide lunch and learn event. Arranging meals where the CEO or senior leaders can dine with team members is beneficial for everyone involved. Here are several tips for hosting a successful lunch and learn with management:

Benefits of a Lunch and Learn with the CEO

CEOs and other top executives often have packed schedules, with face-to-face interactions being a significant part of their duties. According to a Harvard Business Review survey of 27 CEOs over three months, face time accounted for 61% of their working hours.

This time is well-invested: CEOs use these personal interactions to gain a deeper understanding of the company’s inner workings and offer support to employees. A CEO lunch with employees provides an ideal setting for such engagement.

Sharing a meal with employees also helps CEOs fulfill critical responsibilities. In a survey of 20 business leaders, all participants indicated that talent management was within their purview, with 70% spending 20% to 50% of their time on it. These lunches enable leaders to identify potential mentorship or promotion candidates and align goals for mutual success.

During these meetings, both CEOs and employees have the opportunity to ask questions, discuss issues, and share ideas. The benefits of this time together include:

  • Enhanced Motivation and Engagement: According to the American Psychological Association, valued employees exhibit higher motivation, engagement, and job satisfaction.
  • Improved Well-being: The same survey found that these employees feel better physically and mentally.
  • Increased Respect and Esteem: Employees who feel respected by leadership tend to have higher self-esteem and show more respect toward colleagues.

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There are broader benefits for the company as well. Engaged employees drive high performance and innovation, propelling the organization forward. Gallup research indicates that team leaders significantly influence team engagement, accounting for 70% of the variance.

Regular CEO meetings with employees foster a culture of openness, respect, and two-way communication. These lunches can spark innovative ideas that propel your company forward.

Key Considerations for Your Lunch and Learn Program

Start by collaborating with your CEO to establish the framework for the lunch program. Key points to address include:

  1. Attendee Count: Determine if it will be a small, intimate group or a larger departmental gathering. Consider the company’s size and whether other C-level executives will host their own lunches.
  2. Lunch Structure: Decide if the CEO prefers a formal agenda or a relaxed roundtable discussion.
  3. Discussion Topics: Identify what the CEO hopes to gain from the program, whether it’s gathering information from employees or seeking input on new projects. This might take the form of an “ask me anything” (AMA) session.
  4. Lunch Frequency: Determine if the lunches will occur monthly, bimonthly, or quarterly. If the schedule is tight, consider a coffee with the CEO program.

Hosting a Lunch with the CEO

After discussing with your CEO or other senior leaders, it’s time to plan the first lunch. Keep these points in mind:

  1. Guest List: Decide whether departments will meet with the CEO or if you’ll bring together employees from different areas to foster cross-departmental relationships.
  2. Open Environment: Consider whether department managers should attend. If their presence might inhibit openness, schedule a managers-only lunch separately.
  3. HR Representative: An HR rep can help steer the conversation and address any concerns, ensuring everyone has a chance to speak.
  4. Employee Feedback: Collect questions in advance so the CEO or senior executive is prepared.
  5. Agenda: If using an agenda, include it in the invitation to help employees prepare.
  6. Clear Schedules: Ensure everyone’s schedule is open before and after lunch to avoid interruptions.

Placing a Group Order for Your CEO Session

The “lunch” aspect is crucial. Ensure a great meal for everyone. Here’s how:

  • Avoid Restaurants: A noisy, public space can hinder conversation. Use the CEO’s lunchroom or reserve a conference room for privacy.
  • Business Lunch Delivery: Opt for a business lunch delivery service like Ordit, offering a wide range of restaurants and easy ordering.

For informal lunches or diverse dietary needs, Ordit allows you to place individual orders and have them delivered on time.

Hosting a Virtual Lunch with Employees

For flexible work models, virtual lunches are essential. To ensure smooth execution:

  • Calendar Invites: Send them well in advance.
  • Connection Setup: Provide the video conference link a few days ahead.
  • Meal Options: Use Ordit for Expensed Meal Credits, enabling convenient ordering. Set spending limits and ordering hours to simplify the process.
  • Flexibility: If employees have memberships, they can use them to order lunch with reduced fees.

Lunch with the CEO programs are effective and popular. Use Ordit to facilitate programs that unite your company. Contact us today to get started!