Lunch and learn is a type of informal training or information session held during lunchtime in a workplace.
Employees are encouraged to bring their lunch during a short presentation or workshop.
Background on Lunch and Learns
Lunch and learns originated as a way for companies to provide formal and informal learning and share information in a more casual, convenient setting outside formal training sessions.
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They are typically 30-60 minutes long and held in a conference room or office space, with lunch brought in or employees bringing their own.
Maximizing Lunch and Learn Ideas
There are several ways to make the most of lunch and learns:
- Recognize when you can step in to lead one – Employees at any level can volunteer to host. It’s a great way to share your expertise.
- Make them engaging – Incorporate activities, demos, Q&A, and visuals to keep it lively. Avoid lecturing the whole time. We hear this from customers that regularly use of our training courses.
- Promote interaction – Encourage discussion and networking among attendees.
- Offer variety – Mix up training topics and formats to appeal to different interests.
The Value of Lunch and Learns
Lunch and learns provide many benefits, including:
- Convenience – Easy for employees to attend during their regular lunch break.
- Informal learning – Casual setting promotes learning through peer interaction.
- Exposure to new ideas – Introduces new concepts, skills and company initiatives.
- Relationship building – Allows employees to meet and connect with colleagues.
- Cost-effective training – Provides leadership learning opportunities without high costs.
Features of Lunch and Learn Activities
- Short format – Typically 30-60 minutes.
- Informal and relaxed setting.
- Held during lunch period.
- Employees bring their own lunch.
- Led by internal employees or external guests.
- Covers focused topics through talks, demos, or discussions.
Benefits of Lunch and Learn Activities
- Convenient and accessible learning.
- Promotes employee interaction and networking.
- Provides bite-sized learning on useful topics.
- Allows employees to share their expertise and passions.
- Fosters a learning culture.
- Low-cost form of training and development.
5 Tips for Effective Lunch and Learns
- Choose engaging topics – Select subjects your audience will find interesting and useful.
- Promote the event – Market it through emails, posters, intranet.
- Make it interactive – Include activities, demos, and Q&A rather than just lecturing.
- Provide supporting materials – Handouts or presentations to share key information.
- Be mindful of time – Start and end on time so attendees can get back to work.
Examples of Lunch and Learn Topics
- Latest product updates.
- Free workplace diversity and inclusion activities.
- Tips for effective presentations.
- Time management strategies.
- Overview of new technologies.
- Health and wellness education.
5 Steps to Get Started with Lunch and Learns
- Brainstorm topics – What information would engage your coworkers?
- Recruit speakers – Ask knowledgeable employees or external guests to present.
- Promote the event – Advertise through emails, flyers, calendar invites.
- Prepare materials – Develop agenda, presentation, handouts.
- Host the lunch and learn – Arrange room, food, equipment and facilitate the event.
Conclusion
Lunch and learns are a simple yet powerful way to facilitate informal peer learning and collaboration.
With thoughtful planning and promotion, they can be an effective tool for organizations to share knowledge, foster relationships, and build a learning culture.
Consider trying out a lunch and learn at your company.
With 30+ years of training experience, I founded Oak Innovation (oakinnovation.com) in 1995. I help busy training professionals and business managers deliver better training courses in less time by giving them instant access to editable training course material. I received my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from University College Cork. I hold qualifications in Professional Development And Training from University College Galway. Clients include Apple, Time Warner, and Harvard University.
