Trading Fine Dining for Light Meals: Collective Regret
I set up a company cafeteria for employees with an abundant meal daily worth 150 dollars per person. Meals are prepared by a world-renowned master chef.
Every day, I only ask my employees to contribute a token of one dollar. Instead of gratitude, all I get is their envy of the neighboring company.
"I wish we had that. Their healthy lunches cost them nothing, and the company covers everything."
"Yeah. Free salads always seem to taste the best."
Before long, this chatter spreads through the office, and the new hires carry it into the company's group chat.
"Mr. Shaw, can we switch things up? All this rich, heavy food is just too much for us!"
A few of the senior employees quickly jump in.
"Yes, Mr. Shaw! We're not asking for anything extravagant. We only want something like the healthy lunches the other company gives out for free!"
Perfect.
They ignore my lavish 150-dollar meals that cost them almost nothing, yet they pine over the neighboring company's modest lunches. I scroll through the chat, feeling nothing but sharp irony.
I immediately send a company-wide email.
"Attention, everyone! By popular demand, and so you can all experience a truly free lunch, the cafeteria's daily meal is reduced from abundant to simple starting today.
"Snacks and fruit options are discontinued and replaced with the same healthy lunch set offered by the neighboring company. The company will cover the full cost. Enjoy your meal!"