"Happy employees produce higher quality work" has become a key guiding principle for many companies. After all, employee motivation and engagement significantly influence a company's success.

Numerous studies show that happy employees are more productive than those who have long since stopped seeing the purpose in their work and, in the worst-case scenario, have mentally checked out. But why is that?

Humans are natural socializers; most of our feelings arise from external influences and interactions with others. The more individuals involved, the more feelings can emerge—and the larger the team, the greater the dynamic. When we talk about "employee motivation" today, it is primarily about managing these feelings and dynamics—ideally, of course, to the company's benefit.

There is no question that everyone draws motivation from different sources. Generally, the keys to employee motivation are good pay, recognition of performance, and a positive work environment. While money and promotions can certainly provide a short-term boost in motivation, it is often much more important that employees feel valued, identify with the company, and enjoy a good team atmosphere.

Team events, health benefits, and regular feedback sessions are—and should be—the standard. Now is the time to be innovative, and what better way to improve team spirit than by sharing a meal together?

Eating is a highly social event, as the word "together" is at its core: sitting at the same table or spending time in the same room, eating and drinking together, reviewing the week's events together, relaxing together, and having fun together, regardless of hierarchy.

There is an additional effect as well. By organizing a team lunch, management not only shows interest in and gratitude toward their employees, but also demonstrates appreciation, rewards them for their hard work, and keeps team morale high. This has a major, lasting impact on the work environment and a company's image. Who wouldn't want that?

IN SUMMARY:

• Employee motivation is about more than just promotions and salary increases
• A well-aligned team can be just as motivating as praise from a manager
• Social structures and dynamics within a company must be consciously supported and developed
• Food, such as a weekly or monthly lunch catering, contributes to a healthy social climate and strengthens team structure
• Motivation through fostering "togetherness" has a longer-lasting effect and ideally becomes a core part of the company culture