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 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.
Because at the end of the day, what people want most isn’t pizza, it’s purpose.
