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Building a positive work culture isn’t just about salaries and occasional team outings. The modern workplace knows that true employee engagement and retention comes from a supportive and inclusive work environment.
Studies show that companies with highly engaged employees see 21% higher productivity and 22% higher profitability.
To increase these numbers, companies are adopting smart strategies like informal meetings, open learning discussions and brown bag sessions. These approaches channel better employee engagement, encourage knowledge sharing, and create a more inclusive workplace.
In this blog, we’ll discuss what a brown bag session is, why they matter in modern work settings, and how tools like digital signage can improve these meetings to drive better engagement and productivity.
Much like the name, a brown bag session is a casual “lunch and learn” session where employers communicate with their team members over a lunch meeting. It is a humble setting which allows employers to have easy flowing conversations without getting into boss mode. The name originated from the practice of employees carrying their lunches in a brown bag.
Usually brown bag sessions are casual lunch meetings where employees can share ideas, learn new skills, or talk about workplace issues in a relaxed setting. The goal is to create an open space where everyone feels comfortable speaking up, asking questions, and voicing concerns.
Unlike formal meetings, these sessions break down hierarchies and communication barriers, making it easier for employees and employers to have honest, productive discussions without the usual workplace formalities.
Brown bag sessions are more than casual lunch meetings, they help and improve:
Learning and Collaboration
These lunch and learn sessions create an open space for employees to learn from each other, share industry insights, and discuss new tools and technicalities; thus encouraging teamwork, breaking communication barriers, and promoting collaborative problem-solving.
Cost-effective Interactions
Since brown bag sessions are mostly held in-house with employers and employees bringing their own meals, this eliminates the need for costly training programs while still providing knowledge-sharing benefits.
Stronger Work Culture, Better Retention
workplace that invests in knowledge building sessions, creates a culture of transparency, innovation, and growth. Employees who feel heard and included, are more likely to stay motivated and committed to their work.
Effective communication is the backbone of any workplace and informal meetings like brown bag sessions are a great way to boost collaboration, share knowledge, and enhance workplace culture. But how do you make these sessions more engaging and impactful?
The answer is by making them visually captivating. This is where digital signage comes in and plays a crucial role in keeping teams informed, engaged, and connected.
Incorporating digital signage into your brown bag sessions can transform them from ordinary meetings into engaging, inclusive, and impactful experiences. Here’s how:
Promote Upcoming Sessions:
Use digital screens to announce the date, time, topic, and speaker details, generating interest and encouraging participation.
Display Agendas and Key Points:
Keep everyone aligned and engaged by showcasing the agenda and discussion points in real-time.
Encourage Interaction:
Use live polls, Q&A sessions, and interactive features to make the session more dynamic.
Reinforce Learning:
Summarize key takeaways and action items on digital screens to ensure the session’s impact lasts long after it’s over.
Whether your team is in the office or remote, digital signage makes corporate meetings more interactive, engaging, and inclusive. Here’s how you can use visual communication to run a successful brown bag session:
Before organizing a session, clarify its goals. Are you aiming to share knowledge, solve a problem, or build team relationships? A clear purpose will guide the discussion and keep it focused.
Decide whether the session will be a presentation, a group discussion, or a hands-on workshop. The format should align with the session’s objectives.
Create a safe, comfortable space for employees to share their thoughts. Use open-ended questions, active listening, and positive reinforcement to encourage participation.
With hybrid work models becoming the norm, it’s essential to include remote employees in brown bag sessions.
After the session, summarize key takeaways and gather feedback. What did participants enjoy? What could be improved? Use this input to make future sessions even better.
Plan your next “lunch and learn” program successfully with this detailed video by Hoppier
Most brown bag sessions are easy to prepare and manage. However, simple mistakes can reduce their effectiveness. Look out for errors such as:
Lack of Structure – While most lunch and learn programs are informal, having no agenda or proper structure can totally ruin the session and feel like a waste of time.
One-Way Communication – The host must understand that if the conversation is following one way and employees are mere passive listeners, the session loses its value.
Keeping Irrelevant Topics – If the session topic doesn’t resonate with employees, their participation and engagement will eventually drop to zero.
Forcing Mandatory Attendance – Making these programs mandatory can make employees feel like another work obligation instead of an interactive activity.
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