The Science of Lunch Connections

Discover how sharing meals creates meaningful connections that enhance your life, career, and sense of belonging.

Why Lunch Connections Matter

Boosts Productivity

"72% of office workers stated that they feel less productive when they don't take their lunch break." -Australian Government survey of 1,000 office workers aged 18-65 through YouGov.

Strengthens Relationships

Sharing a meal creates a unique social bonding experience that builds trust and strengthens relationships in ways that formal meetings cannot.

Enhances Well-being

Regular social connections during meals have been linked to reduced stress, improved mental health, and a greater sense of belonging.

Connect With Your Tribe

Different lunch connections serve different purposes in your personal and professional life. Discover the unique benefits of each.

Colleagues

Transform workplace relationships from transactional to meaningful.

Sharing lunch with colleagues breaks down hierarchical barriers and fosters a collaborative environment that extends beyond the dining table.

"90% of employees felt more refreshed and productive after taking a short break.” — Tork survey

"Teams that lunch together 28% of employees report that taking a lunch break makes them more creative." — Wakefield Research

How to maximize colleague connections:

  • Invite colleagues from different departments to gain fresh perspectives
  • Use lunch as an opportunity to mentor or be mentored
  • Keep conversations balanced between work and personal topics

New Acquaintances

Expand your network and discover unexpected opportunities.

Meeting new people over lunch creates a relaxed environment for authentic connections that can lead to new opportunities, ideas, and perspectives.

"76% of those surveyed said that they thought sharing a meal was a good way to bring people closer together” University of Oxford — The Big Lunch national survey

A recent survey of 500 office professionals conducted by Wakefield Research, found that 97% say that taking a lunch break improves their workday.

How to connect with new acquaintances:

  • Ask open-ended questions about their interests and experiences
  • Look for common ground to establish rapport
  • Follow up within 48 hours to solidify the new connection

Friends

Nurture personal relationships that support your well-being.

Regular lunch dates with friends provide emotional support, reduce stress, and create a sense of community that's essential for mental health.

"84% of adults said that they would like to share a meal with others more often." — American Heart Association, 2022 Survey of 1,000 American Adults

"People who eat more meals with others tend to be more satisfied with their lives and are more likely to express positive emotions." — World Happiness Report.

How to enhance friend connections:

  • Schedule regular lunch dates to maintain consistency
  • Create a judgment-free zone for authentic conversations
  • Try new restaurants to create shared experiences and memories

Research Highlights

Our findings are backed by extensive research on social connections, productivity, and well-being.

Build Satisfaction

A study published in the Journal of Organizational Behavior found that employees who take lunch breaks with their colleagues reported higher job satisfaction and a greater likelihood to recommend their organization as a good place to work. Shared breaks provide opportunities for employees to interact informally, building trust and improving communication.

Increase Focus and Production

51% of employees agree that lunch breaks help them focus on work and be more productive.

Wakefield Research

Ready to Transform Your Lunch Hour?

Join thousands of professionals who are building meaningful connections one lunch at a time.