A kinder way to say “let's get lunch”
Why it can fall flat
“let's get lunch”
Without a day or time, “let's get lunch” is likely to be heard as a polite brush-off, or as an order if you're senior. A real invitation that's easy to accept or decline is usually the goal.
Say this instead
- 01
Are you free for lunch on Thursday? I'd like to catch up properly. Noon at the place downstairs?
Coworker · Chat
Naming the day, time and place makes this a real plan a coworker can accept quickly.
- 02
Hi Meera, would you have time for lunch one day next week? I'd value hearing your thoughts on the new project. Happy to fit around your calendar.
Boss · Email
Giving your boss a reason and control over timing keeps it from reading as a demand.
- 03
Hi Mehwish, shall we meet for lunch on Thursday at 1 pm? Happy to pick a place near your office.
Client · SMS
Short and specific, this suits a client you already have a friendly working relationship with.
- 04
Want to grab lunch together on Wednesday? No agenda, just a chance to chat. Totally fine if you're busy.
Someone you manage · Chat
The no-agenda line and the easy opt-out keep it from feeling like a summons from their manager.
- 05
Lunch today? I'm heading out around 12:30 if you want to come along.
Coworker · SMS
Casual and same-day, this fits when you simply want some company.
- 06
If it suits you, I'd be happy to meet over lunch rather than on a call. Would next Tuesday around 1 pm work?
Recruiter / HR · Email
Polite and clear, it suits a relaxed in-person chat and lets the recruiter suggest another time.
- 07
A few of us are going for lunch on Friday at 1. Would you like to join us? No pressure if you have other plans.
Coworker · Chat
Including a new or quieter teammate this way keeps them from feeling put on the spot.
- 08
Hi Mr. Rao, I'd be glad to take you to lunch when you're next in town. Would Tuesday or Wednesday suit you?
Client · Email
Offering two days keeps this formal enough for a client and makes a reply easy.
Examples
Hi Erin, I've enjoyed working with you on the onboarding project and would like to catch up properly. Are you free for lunch on Thursday at 12:30? If that doesn't suit, I'm flexible next week. Best, Hayden
Hi Fraser, a few of us are heading out for lunch at 1 on Friday. Want to join? No worries if you're busy.
What to avoid
- Leaving out a day or time makes the invitation easy to ignore.
- Phrasing it as an instruction is risky when you're talking to someone senior to you.
- Saying “we should do lunch sometime” is empty if you don't plan to follow up.
- Making it hard to decline is a problem, especially if you manage the person.
- Picking a place or budget without checking it works for them can make them uncomfortable.