Top Themes & Ideas For Remote Lunch And Learns

Ah, the classic lunch and learn—the perfect blend of filling bellies while feeding minds. In the remote work era, the traditional office gathering has taken on a new identity: virtual lunch and learns. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, virtual lunch and learns are a great way to break up the workday, encourage growth, and spark curiosity.

The idea is simple—gather your team during lunch for a laid-back session where they can munch on their favorite foods while learning something new. Whether it's professional development, wellness, or simply for fun, these sessions are the secret sauce to enhancing workplace culture.

But let’s be honest—coming up with fresh, fun, and relevant topics isn’t always easy. Don’t worry, though! We’ve rounded up the best virtual lunch and learn ideas & topics that are sure to get your team’s wheels turning.

Why Host a Virtual Lunch and Learn?

Before we dive into the specifics, you might be wondering, "Why even bother hosting a virtual lunch and learn?" Well, here are just a few reasons why:

Builds Team Camaraderie: These events give your team a reason to gather and share a collective experience outside of their usual work tasks.

Encourages Continuous Learning: It’s an opportunity for employees to pick up new skills or knowledge without disrupting their workflow.

Boosts Morale: A fun break in the day can make a world of difference when it comes to team happiness and motivation.

So, what are some of the best ideas and topics to bring your team together? Let's take a look!

The Best Virtual Lunch and Learn Ideas & Topics

1. Mental Health and Wellness Sessions

The pandemic has taught us just how important mental health is. Why not bring in a wellness coach or therapist to speak about stress management, mindfulness, and work-life balance?

Mindfulness & Meditation: Guide your team through a simple meditation session.

Stress Management Tips: Learn practical ways to manage stress in a fast-paced work environment.

Work-Life Balance: Discuss strategies for setting boundaries while working from home.

2. Productivity Hacks and Time Management Tips

Everyone loves a good productivity hack, right? Invite an expert to share insights on how to make the most of each day.

Time Blocking Techniques: Teach your team how to structure their day for maximum efficiency.

Productivity Apps: Showcase different apps that can streamline tasks.

Beating Procrastination: Discuss strategies to overcome procrastination and stay focused.

3. Fun and Interactive Trivia Games

Why not throw in a little trivia to make things interesting? Trivia sessions can be a great way to lighten the mood and add some friendly competition.

Company Trivia: Test your team's knowledge about the company’s history, values, or fun facts.

Pop Culture Trivia: Cover movies, music, or recent events for a light-hearted session.

Specialized Topics: Make it niche by focusing on a subject relevant to your industry.

4. Cooking Classes or Healthy Eating Workshops

If you’re looking to spice things up—literally—host a virtual cooking class. Hire a chef to lead a workshop on easy and healthy meals. Not only is it fun, but your team might also learn a new dish or two!

Quick & Easy Recipes: Share recipes that can be made in under 30 minutes.

Healthy Meal Prep: Teach your team how to meal prep effectively for a healthy week.

Cultural Cuisine: Dive into dishes from different cultures to broaden culinary horizons.

5. Personal Finance Management

We could all use a little guidance when it comes to managing finances. Hosting a session on personal finance can be an incredible way to add value to your team's lives beyond work.

Budgeting Basics: Help your employees understand budgeting essentials.

Investing 101: Explain the basics of investing and financial planning.

Debt Management: Offer practical tips on managing and reducing debt.

6. TED Talk Discussions

Choose a relevant TED Talk and watch it together during the lunch session, then dive into a group discussion. TED Talks cover so many topics—from leadership and technology to creativity and well-being.

Inspiration for Innovation: Pick a TED Talk that encourages new ways of thinking.

Leadership Lessons: Discuss qualities of effective leadership and what your team can learn.

Motivational Talks: Choose talks that are uplifting and encourage personal growth.

7. Book Club or Podcast Review

Not everyone has time to read a whole book, but chapters or episodes? Totally doable. Pick a book chapter or podcast episode relevant to your field or your team's interests, and discuss it during lunch.

Best Leadership Books: Choose a book that dives into leadership and team dynamics.

Industry Trends: Pick a podcast about current trends in your industry.

Fiction Favorites: Choose a fun, off-beat book or story for a more relaxed discussion.

8. Guest Speaker Series

Bringing in an external speaker to talk about a topic they're passionate about can bring fresh energy to your virtual lunch and learn.

Industry Experts: Invite a professional who can offer insight into industry challenges.

Motivational Speakers: Hire someone to share an inspiring story that’ll resonate with your team.

Entrepreneurship Insights: Learn from a business owner’s journey, including failures and successes.

9. Diversity and Inclusion Training

Create a safe space for learning about and discussing diversity, equity, and inclusion. It’s a crucial topic, and a lunch and learn setting provides a comfortable atmosphere for dialogue.

Unconscious Bias: Teach your team how to recognize and reduce unconscious bias.

Cultural Awareness: Discuss the importance of cultural sensitivity in the workplace.

Inclusive Language: Learn about language that supports an inclusive environment.

10. # Team Talent Showcase

Why not let your team members take the lead? Allow them to share their hobbies or special skills during a virtual lunch and learn.

Art & Creativity: Got someone who loves painting? Let them do a live demo.

Music & Performance: Encourage musicians or performers on your team to share their talent.

Personal Projects: Give your team a chance to talk about side projects or hobbies.

11. # Virtual Escape Rooms

Want something a little more adventurous? Virtual escape rooms are a great way to challenge your team’s problem-solving skills while having some fun.

Themed Challenges: Choose themes based on your team’s interests, like mystery or fantasy.

Team Building Focus: Emphasize teamwork and communication throughout the experience.

Follow-up Discussion: Reflect on the experience and discuss the importance of collaboration.

12. # Pet Show-and-Tell

Take a break from the typical learning session and let team members introduce their furry (or scaly) friends. It’s guaranteed to get some smiles and maybe even a few laughs.

Pet Introductions: Everyone introduces their pet and shares a funny or heartwarming story.

Pet Costumes: Make it extra fun by asking team members to dress their pets in costumes.

Pet Tricks: Let the pets show off their skills!

List of Virtual Lunch and Learn Topics

1. Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace: Understanding and managing emotions to improve communication and relationships.

2. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Recognize and overcome self-doubt to foster confidence in the workplace.

3. Effective Communication Techniques: Learn how to communicate clearly, actively listen, and give constructive feedback.

4. Creative Problem Solving: Discuss frameworks like design thinking and other approaches for solving complex problems.

5. Introduction to Coding: A beginner’s guide to understanding basic programming concepts and logic.

6. Workplace Ergonomics: How to set up your home office to avoid pain and injury while working remotely.

7. Mind Mapping for Productivity: Using mind maps to brainstorm, organize tasks, and improve productivity.

8. Basic Photography Skills: Learn how to take better photos, either for work (like product shots) or for personal enjoyment.

9. Digital Marketing Basics: An overview of SEO, social media strategies, and content marketing.

10. Conflict Resolution: How to manage and resolve workplace conflicts constructively.

11. Building Emotional Resilience: Tips for maintaining mental strength and adapting to workplace challenges.

12. Public Speaking Tips: How to become a more confident and effective public speaker.

13. Sustainability and Green Living: Easy ways to make more sustainable choices at work and at home.

14. Cybersecurity Awareness: Tips on protecting personal and professional data in an increasingly digital world.

15. Cultural Sensitivity and Awareness: Understanding and respecting cultural differences to foster an inclusive environment.

16. Networking in a Virtual World: Learn how to network effectively even when working remotely.

17. Time Management for Remote Workers: Practical advice on prioritizing tasks and managing your time efficiently.

18. Nutrition and Wellness Tips: Learn about foods that boost energy, improve focus, and contribute to overall health.

19. Goal Setting and Achievement: Techniques like SMART goals to help employees set and reach their objectives.

20. Storytelling in Business: Learn how to tell compelling stories to promote ideas, products, or the company's mission.

21. Dealing with Change: How to adapt to changes at work, whether it’s restructuring or new tools and processes.

22. Body Language Insights: Understand how body language affects communication, even during video calls.

23. Tech 101 for Non-Techies: Learn about emerging technologies and how they impact your work and industry.

24. Happiness at Work: How small habits can increase your happiness and well-being during the workday.

25. Introduction to Cryptocurrency: Understand the basics of cryptocurrencies, blockchain, and how they’re used.

26. Building Stronger Client Relationships: Tips for nurturing relationships with clients, even from a distance.

27. Improving Your LinkedIn Profile: Strategies for optimizing your LinkedIn to improve professional visibility.

28. Leadership Skills for Everyone: Even if you’re not in a leadership role, learn how to develop leadership qualities.

29. How to Run Effective Meetings: Tips on structuring and facilitating meetings that are engaging and productive.

30. Personal Branding: How to create a professional identity that aligns with your career goals.

These topics can be tailored to fit the interests and needs of your team, ensuring your virtual lunch and learn sessions remain both relevant and impactful!

Tips for Hosting a Successful Virtual Lunch and Learn

Now that you've got some ideas, here are a few tips to make sure your virtual lunch and learn goes off without a hitch:

1. Keep it Casual: The point is to make it a break from the usual workday grind, so keep the vibe relaxed.

2. Encourage Participation: Make it interactive by including Q&A segments or breakout sessions.

3. Provide Snacks (Virtually): Send out small snack gift cards or reimburse a lunch delivery to encourage participation.

4. Keep It Short and Sweet: Aim for 30-45 minutes. You don’t want to eat up everyone’s entire lunch break!

FAQs

1. How long should a virtual lunch and learn last? Ideally, it should last between 30 to 45 minutes. This keeps it long enough to deliver value but short enough to avoid encroaching on personal lunchtime.

2. How often should we hold a virtual lunch and learn? It really depends on your team’s schedule and workload. Many companies find success in hosting them once a month, but you could also try bi-weekly or quarterly depending on availability and interest.

3. What tools are best for hosting a virtual lunch and learn? Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet are popular choices for hosting virtual lunch and learn sessions. You could also use collaborative tools like Miro for more interactive sessions.

4. How can I keep my team engaged during a virtual lunch and learn? Incorporate interactive elements like Q&A segments, polls, breakout rooms, or trivia. The more you engage your team, the more they’ll get out of the session.

5. What if some team members can’t attend the live session? Record your virtual lunch and learn so absent team members can watch it later. You could also create a summary or key takeaways document for those who prefer a quick recap.

Conclusion

There you have it—a feast of virtual lunch and learn ideas & topics that are sure to keep your team engaged and energized. Whether you’re diving into productivity hacks, exploring new cuisines, or just having fun with pet show-and-tells, the key is to keep things fresh, relevant, and above all—enjoyable.