Note: There are many different names for “brown bag sessions” - some call them “lunch and learns”, “learn at lunch”, “working lunch” and more. We’ll use the term brown bag sessions in this document.

The Power of Brown Bag Sessions in Tech

Staying updated with the latest trends, tools, and best practices is crucial. One effective way to foster continuous learning and team bonding within a tech department is through Brown Bag Sessions. These informal, lunchtime meetings are designed to share knowledge, spark discussions, and build a sense of community among team members. Let’s dive into what makes Brown Bag Sessions so valuable, and explore some examples of topics and companies that have successfully implemented them.

What are Brown Bag Sessions?

Brown Bag Sessions are informal, educational meetings typically held during lunchtime. The name comes from the idea that participants bring their own lunches in brown bags, although companies often sponsor food, such as pizza, to encourage attendance. These sessions provide a platform for employees to present on various topics of interest, ranging from technical skills to industry trends, in a relaxed and engaging environment.

Benefits of Brown Bag Sessions

Knowledge Sharing

One of the primary benefits of Brown Bag Sessions is the opportunity for knowledge sharing. Team members can present on topics they are passionate about or have expertise in, allowing others to learn and grow. This can be particularly valuable in tech departments, where staying current with new technologies and methodologies is essential.

Team Bonding

Brown Bag Sessions also serve as a great team bonding activity. Sharing a meal and engaging in discussions can help build stronger relationships among team members, fostering a more collaborative and supportive work environment.

Non-Obtrusive Learning

These sessions are designed to be non-intrusive, as they take place during lunch breaks when employees are already taking a break from their regular work. This ensures that employees do not feel like they are being forced to work extra hours or sacrifice their lunch time.

Flexibility

Brown Bag Sessions can be easily adapted to both in-person and remote settings. For in-person sessions, the company can sponsor pizza or other lunch options, while remote sessions can be conducted via video conferencing platforms, with participants enjoying their own lunches from home.

Important Considerations

While Brown Bag Sessions offer numerous benefits, it is important to ensure that they do not become a burden on employees. The sessions should be voluntary and designed to enhance the lunch break, not replace it. Forcing employees to attend or making them feel like they are losing their lunch time can lead to resentment and decreased morale.

Example Topics for Brown Bag Sessions

Here are some example topics that could be covered in a tech department’s Brown Bag Sessions:

• Book reviews: If someone read a nice book, then let’s make this a topic and talk about it!
• Introduction to Machine Learning: An overview of machine learning concepts and how they can be applied in the company’s projects.
• Best Practices for Code Reviews: Tips and techniques for conducting effective code reviews to improve code quality.
• Exploring New Programming Languages: A deep dive into a new programming language that the team is interested in learning.
• Cybersecurity Essentials: Important cybersecurity practices and how to implement them in daily work.
• DevOps and Continuous Integration: An introduction to DevOps principles and continuous integration tools.

Companies Embracing Brown Bag Sessions

Several companies have successfully implemented Brown Bag Sessions to foster a culture of continuous learning and collaboration. Here are a few examples:

• Google: Known for its innovative culture, Google regularly hosts Brown Bag Sessions where employees can share their knowledge on various topics, from technical skills to personal development.
• Microsoft: Microsoft encourages its employees to participate in Brown Bag Sessions to stay updated with the latest technologies and industry trends.
• Atlassian: The software company Atlassian uses Brown Bag Sessions to promote knowledge sharing and team bonding among its employees.

Conclusion

Brown Bag Sessions are a powerful tool for tech departments looking to promote knowledge sharing, team bonding, and continuous learning. By creating a relaxed and engaging environment, these sessions can help employees stay current with industry trends and build stronger relationships with their colleagues. Just remember to keep them voluntary and non-intrusive, ensuring that they enhance, rather than replace, the lunch break. Whether in-person or remote, Brown Bag Sessions can be a valuable addition to any tech department’s culture.

More:

• Nice book on the topic with many good best-practises: “Dynamic Reteaming: The Art and Wisdom of Changing Teams” by Heidi Helfand (Thanks @Wolfgang for the hint!)