Need a pay rise? Eat the same food as your boss

YOU might have a better chance of convincing your boss you deserve a pay rise if you eat the same snacks as him, research suggests.

It found negotiations are more likely to end well when both parties share the same taste in food.

The reason is thought to be ‘similarity attraction theory’, where people tend to like others with the same tastes or habits.

In experiments conducted by researchers at Chicago University, volunteers played the part of either a manager or union leader trying to reach a wage settle- ment. They were given a choice of chocolate or crisps to snack on, and the study found deals were reached more quickly when both sides went for the same treats.

Published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology, it said: ‘When negotiators consumed similarly, they felt closer and were able to come to a faster resolution.’

Previous research has found the same effect on those wearing similar clothes, but this is believed to be the first showing it with food.