Food for Thought on Eating While Meeting Virtually.

This study examines the impact of employees eating during virtual meetings on observers' perceptions of this behavior. Participants (N=732) were randomly assigned to one of three eating conditions including no one eating, target eating, and everyone eating. While existing research has demonstrated many positive consequences of sharing food in the traditional workplace, our results suggest that individuals who eat during virtual meetings are perceived as less professional, less competent, and less likely to experience career success. Additionally, observers' perceptions of the eater's professionalism are negatively impacted, regardless of whether the target is the only one eating or everyone is eating. The need for HR professionals to facilitate the development of employees' virtual meeting skills is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]