It puts you in the same space at a time when your attention isn't fully engaged by other matters nor the task at hand with the same person for hours every week.

It puts you in the same space at a time when your attention isn't fully engaged by other matters nor the task at hand with the same person for hours every week. Furthermore at least some conversation is apt to be started for functional reasons. This creates the space, opportunity, and time for meaningful conversation and interaction. Contrast this to standing in line for food together for 2 minutes with someone you aren't apt to ever meet again.