Howard Hochhauser, CEO of an American company, enjoys having lunch alongside his staff in the breakroom—and he has explained why.
In an interview with Fortune, Howard shared that he adopted this habit back in the late 1990s during his time at Bear Stearns. There, the company’s founder, Ace Greenberg, would often sit among the employees—sometimes even on the floor or at a regular table—rather than staying in a glass-enclosed office. This left a lasting impression on him.
Why Lunch With Employees Matters
The CEO believes that information traveling up the corporate ladder often gets filtered; however, informal conversations with employees over lunch provide him with a genuine picture of the company’s situation and honest feedback.
When the company was developing its policy regarding the return to the office, Howard discussed it with employees over lunch before making any official announcement.
Listening Before Announcing
Employees raised concerns regarding matters such as their children’s schooling and family commitments. The CEO responded positively, incorporating these points into the policy and telling them, “You are adults—use your own judgment.”
A Growing Trend Among Leaders
Howard is not alone in this; others, including former Apple CEO Tim Cook, Duolingo co-founder Luis von Ahn, and First Watch CEO Chris Tomasso, have also followed the practice of dining with their employees in the cafeteria.
“Informal conversations with employees over lunch provide him with a genuine picture of the company’s situation and honest feedback.”
— Howard Hochhauser, CEOLooking Ahead
For leaders, the lesson is simple: informal access can surface concerns that formal channels filter out. By eating alongside employees, Howard Hochhauser says he gains a clearer view of the workplace—and a better basis for decisions such as return-to-office policies.
Why it matters: Informal access to leadership can surface concerns that formal channels filter out—shaping policies like return-to-office rules and building trust across the company.
Note: This article is published for informational purposes only. Please refer to the original interview for full details.
