The lunch and learn is one of the simplest ways for an organization to make learning a habit: food, a short session, and a topic people care about. This guide explains what a lunch and learn is, why organizations use them, how to plan and run one, and how to keep people coming back.
What Is a Lunch and Learn? (Definition)
A lunch and learn is an informal learning session held during the lunch hour, usually with food provided. A colleague, guest speaker, or vendor presents on a topic for 20 to 40 minutes while attendees eat, followed by questions or discussion. Sessions typically last 45 to 60 minutes and are voluntary. Lunch and learns are also called brown bag sessions, especially when attendees bring their own lunch.
Why Organizations Use Lunch and Learns
- Low cost. Lunch is far cheaper than a full training day, and people are not pulled away from work.
- Knowledge sharing. Employees learn what other teams do and what their colleagues know.
- Connection. Eating together builds relationships across departments, which matters even more for hybrid teams.
- A culture of learning. Regular sessions signal that learning is part of the job.
- Development for presenters. Leading a session gives employees practice teaching and speaking.
Lunch and Learn vs. Workshop vs. Seminar vs. Training
| Lunch and learn | Workshop | Seminar | Training | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 45 to 60 minutes | 1 hour to several days | 1 to 3 hours | Hours to days |
| Formality | Informal, voluntary | Structured | Structured | Structured, often required |
| Goal | Awareness and connection | Practice and create | Discuss and learn | Build a specific skill |
| Depth | Introductory | Applied | In-depth | Applied |
A lunch and learn is a great introduction to a topic, but it rarely changes behavior on its own. If you need people to build a skill, follow up with a workshop or training. See Workshop vs. Training vs. Course for how to choose.
How to Plan a Lunch and Learn
- Pick a topic people want. Ask employees directly or run a quick survey. Our list of lunch and learn topic ideas has 50 starting points.
- Find a presenter. Internal experts, leaders, guest speakers, or partners all work. Coach first-time presenters to keep it short and practical.
- Choose a time and room. Midweek, around noon, in a room where people can eat comfortably. Offer a video link for remote staff.
- Order food that is easy to eat quietly. Sandwiches and salads beat anything crunchy or messy. Ask about dietary needs.
- Promote it with a clear benefit. “Learn three ways to cut your inbox in half” draws more people than “Email management.”
- Collect RSVPs. Food planning depends on it.
A Simple 60-Minute Lunch and Learn Agenda
- 0:00 to 0:10. Arrive, get food, settle in.
- 0:10 to 0:15. Welcome and a quick opening question for the room.
- 0:15 to 0:40. Presentation, with one short pair conversation in the middle.
- 0:40 to 0:55. Questions and discussion.
- 0:55 to 1:00. One takeaway, resources, and what is next.
Tips to Make Lunch and Learns Engaging
- Talk less than you think. People are eating. Twenty-five minutes of content is plenty.
- Keep slides simple. People are looking at their plates as much as the screen.
- Include one interactive moment. A poll, a show of hands, or a two-minute conversation with a neighbor.
- Make it practical. Give people one thing they can use that afternoon.
- Record it. Share the recording for people who could not attend, and see our guide on how to repurpose a recording.
- Run a series. A regular monthly slot builds a habit.
Virtual Lunch and Learns
For remote and hybrid teams, a virtual lunch and learn works well. Some organizations send meal delivery credits so remote attendees can join the lunch too. Keep cameras optional, use chat for questions, and limit the session to 45 minutes. Our guide to webinar engagement ideas has activities that work online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a lunch and learn be?
Forty-five to sixty minutes, with 20 to 30 minutes of presentation.
Is a lunch and learn the same as a brown bag?
Nearly. A brown bag session traditionally means attendees bring their own lunch, while a lunch and learn usually provides food.
Should lunch and learns be mandatory?
Generally no. They work best as voluntary sessions during a break, and some employers must count required sessions as paid time.
Who should present at a lunch and learn?
Anyone with useful knowledge: employees, leaders, outside experts, or partners. Internal presenters are often the most popular.
A lunch and learn can open a conversation that a fuller session continues. InnovationTraining.org offers creativity and innovation training that organizations often introduce with a short lunchtime session first.
