Who is Kavya Karnatac? Going viral for her ‘no one eats alone’ – the office rule that’s melting hearts online

Workplace culture is often discussed in terms of targets, deadlines, and performance. But recently, a simple everyday habit from an Indian company has caught people’s attention online. It is not a big policy or a complex idea. It is just about taking time out to sit together.

A founder’s post about this routine is now being widely discussed, with many people looking at it as a reminder that small actions can shape how teams feel at work.

A daily pause that everyone follows

Kavya Karnatac, founder of KK Create, shared that her team follows a fixed schedule every day. At 2 PM, all work stops, and the entire team gathers for a shared meal.

“Every day we have a 1-hour picnic at the office! And it is non-negotiable. We are a team of 40 people across different verticals, deadlines, and chaos. But suddenly, as the clock hits 2 PM, all of that disappears, and everyone gathers in the hall,” she wrote.

This break is not optional. It is something everyone follows, no matter how busy the day is.

No roles at the table

What makes this routine different is how it removes the usual office structure during that time.

“Chairs get pulled from everywhere. People stand, squeeze in, and sit on corners. Because no one eats alone at KK Create. There's no hierarchy at that table. Everyone, including the managers and freshers, eats together.”

There is no formal seating or separation. Everyone shares the same space.

Managers lead by example

Karnatac also explained that this habit works because managers actively encourage it. They make sure their teams step away from work and join the group.

“It goes for an hour, sometimes even more: someone sharing homemade food. Someone is cracking the worst (but funniest) jokes. Someone is starting a mafia game mid-meal. It feels like a party every day,” she said.

The focus is on making this time relaxed and enjoyable.

More than just a break

For the founder, this one hour has a deeper purpose.

“This culture is rare, and honestly? Some days, it doesn't even feel like an office. It feels like a family sitting down for a meal. These 60 minutes remind me that connection beyond work truly builds a team.”

It shows how simple daily habits can help build stronger connections.

What people are saying online

The post received a strong response on social media, with users sharing their views.

“This is the kind of workplace culture that truly builds teams beyond job titles. A shared lunch table with no hierarchy, laughter, and genuine connection creates trust that no meeting room ever can,” one user said.

Another user shared a different thought: “For some people, that hour might be their only deep work window or quiet reset. The best cultures create connection and leave room for individual rhythms.”

A third wrote: “This is such a beautiful culture! Kavya Karnatac. Believe moments like these are truly possible when there's mutual respect, leaders who are supportive, and teams who take ownership of their work.”

A fourth added, “Culture is not built in meetings or policies. It shows up in small daily rituals like this. Most companies chase productivity and forget that connection is what sustains it. When people actually enjoy being around each other, collaboration stops feeling forced.”
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on a post shared on social media and user reactions online. The Times of India has not independently verified these claims.