buy lunch for a colleague

the colleague who deserves more than a slack emoji

think about the people you work with every day. there's probably someone who consistently shows up, does solid work, covers for people without being asked, and never makes a big deal about it. when was the last time anyone acknowledged that?

buying lunch for a colleague isn't about spending money. it's about creating a moment of genuine human connection in a world where work relationships are increasingly transactional.

why this matters more than you think

workplace relationships have a massive impact on your daily experience. you spend more waking hours with coworkers than with most friends or family. the quality of those relationships directly affects your stress levels, job satisfaction, and even your physical health.

yet most people treat work relationships as purely functional. they interact enough to get the job done and nothing more. that's a missed opportunity.

how to do it right

don't make it weird. don't make it formal. just walk up and say "hey, i'm grabbing lunch — come with me, my treat." if they ask why, be honest: "you've been doing great work and i wanted to show some appreciation."

that's it. no elaborate speech. no corporate recognition program. just one human telling another human "i see you and i appreciate you."

the conversation is the real gift

the lunch itself is just the vehicle. the real value is the conversation that happens when two coworkers step out of the office context and talk like actual people. you'll learn things about each other you never would in a meeting room. shared interests, similar frustrations, unexpected common ground.

these moments build trust. and trust between coworkers is the most underrated professional asset you can have. the person you take to lunch today might be the person who has your back in a critical moment six months from now.

the ripple

small acts of generosity create ripple effects. the person you treat to lunch feels valued. they're more likely to pass that feeling along to someone else. one lunch can shift the energy of an entire team.

think of someone right now. you know exactly who it should be. take them to lunch this week.

if this resonated, share it with someone who needs to hear it.