🎙️ Rituals That Shape Culture: Lessons from the 'Payday Pizza' Table 🍕

I recently listened to an episode of the Eat Sleep Work Repeat podcast, titled Presence: Exploring Real-Life Culture Rituals, and it got me thinking about the power of rituals in building strong team cultures.

In one of my previous roles, we had a simple but impactful ritual called "Payday Pizza". On the last working day of the month, the whole team paused work for an hour at lunchtime, gathered around a large table, and shared pizza.

The one rule: no work talk for that hour.

It was a small act, but it created something magical—a space where we could connect as people, not just colleagues. We shared stories, learnt about each other, laughed about life outside the office, and left that table feeling a deeper sense of belonging. Over time, Payday Pizza became more than just a lunch; it became a cornerstone of our team culture, a reminder that we were more than the tasks we completed.

Rituals like this—big or small—can serve as cultural glue, creating a shared identity and fostering genuine connections. They don’t have to be elaborate or expensive, but they do need to be intentional. Whether it’s celebrating wins, marking milestones, or simply taking a moment to pause and connect, rituals help us slow down and remind us why we do what we do, together.

So, I’m curious:

Does your team have any rituals that bring people together?

If not, what ideas for team rituals would you suggest to build connection and belonging?

Whether it’s Friday coffee chats, walking meetings, or something as simple as a monthly group lunch, I’d love to hear your thoughts. 👇