CEO Lunch Break Habit

Ancestry CEO Howard Hochhauser eats with employees in the office's eating area instead of his corner office.

Origin of Habit

Hochhauser adopted the practice in the late 1990s after working at Wall Street investment bank Bear Stearns.

Founder's Accessibility

Ancestry founder Ace Greenberg sat on the floor every day to show he was accessible to employees.

“sat on the floor every day”

CEO's Feedback Problem

Hochhauser says many CEOs struggle with limited access to unfiltered information from employees.

Lunch Feedback Process

Hochhauser shares workplace policy changes with employees over lunch to get honest reactions.

Policy Implementation

Employees raised concerns about the policy affecting school drop-offs and soccer games during lunch.