Ah, the classic pizza party. It’s fun, it’s cheesy, and it’s not going to fix low morale. (Sorry to break it to you.)
Research consistently shows that what employees actually want at work is pretty simple:
- A healthy work-life balance
- Opportunities for growth
- Fair compensation
- Respect and trust from leadership
When those needs aren’t being met, a surprise slice of pepperoni isn’t going to smooth things over. In fact, it can feel like a distraction-like management is checking a box rather than addressing real concerns.
That doesn’t mean you should cancel every fun event. Celebrations are great! Just don’t let them be a substitute for genuine investment in your team. Want to really wow your employees? Offer flexibility, show appreciation in meaningful ways, and listen to their feedback.
If you’d like to dig deeper, check out how managers can motivate employees: SHRM reports that while pay and benefits matter, “recognition and appreciation are what really make people happy and engaged at work.”
Because at the end of the day, what people want most isn’t pizza, it’s purpose. And if you’re ready to create a workplace where people feel valued and supported, learn what it’s like to work with me to get the HR help your team really needs.
