2 Pizzas Can Boost Team Productivity
When it comes to productivity in the workplace, there are a variety of factors that can impact employee motivation and efficiency. While company-wide initiatives like increased remote work or flexible scheduling can aid productivity, smaller methods such as providing pizza can also make a difference. This article explores why pizza is such an effective tool, how it works, and best practices to keep in mind.
What the Research Shows
There is surprising research to suggest that pizza can lead to measurable improvements in employee productivity. A 2010 study from Brigham Young University found that those who received salty snacks—like pizza—tended to cooperate better and work more effectively as a team. A separate study by Lunchbox.com found that offering free food to employees can lead to more valued team members and better productivity.
The reason pizza works is backed by science. Food is a basic human need, and when that need is met, our brains can better focus on tasks at hand. Pizza has also been shown to increase the production of dopamine in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation.
How to Use Pizza to Boost Productivity
When using pizza to improve productivity, it’s important to be strategic. Consider reserving pizza as a special treat for noteworthy accomplishments or particularly challenging projects to motivate employees to work harder in order to earn it.
The quality of the pizza itself also plays a big role. Cheap, low-quality pizza is unlikely to provide the same benefits as a gourmet, high-quality pie. High-quality pizza is more likely to include fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients that can help sharpen cognitive abilities, and employees are more likely to feel valued by an employer who takes the time and care to provide better food.
While free food can be a powerful motivator, it’s important to consider the affordability of providing it. Additionally, pizza is just one tool in the productivity arsenal, and it is best used in conjunction with other productivity-focused initiatives, like clear communication and appropriate rewards and incentives.
Conclusion
Pizza may be an unconventional tool for improving productivity, but there is ample evidence to suggest that it works. By offering pizza as a reward for hard work or impressive results, employers can tap into basic human physiological and psychological needs that can motivate and focus team members. Approach offering pizza strategically, consider the quality and affordability, and use it in combination with other productivity initiatives. With these factors in mind, pizza may just become a secret weapon in boosting productivity and getting the most out of any team.