A Recipe for Return to Office: Why Company Culture (and a Good Sandwich)

Company culture, more than buzzwords or ping pong, thrives on values and community. Shared meals, from Thai to Mexican, boost team performance, foster trust, and nourish souls.

October 30, 2023

Hold onto your water coolers and espresso machines, folks! Today, we're diving deep into the world of company culture—and not just because it's a buzzword that's been tossed around like confetti at a New Year's Eve party. Nope, we're here to talk about the tangible, measurable, and, dare we say, delectable impact that company culture (and yes, that mouthwatering Mexican food you order) can have on your organization. Ready to dig in? Pass the salsa!

Appetizer: A Side of Statistics on Company Culture

Before we dive into our main course of office lunch ideas, let's serve up some statistics as appetizers. According to a Gallup study, companies with strong cultures saw a 33% higher revenue growth than those that didn't¹. Another report by Deloitte indicated that 94% of executives and 88% of employees believe a distinct workplace culture is vital to business success².

Now that's some food for thought.

Main Course: Culture - More than Just Noodle Bowls and Ping Pong Tables

Yes, ping pong and Thai food are fantastic, but company culture? That's not just about Asian food and games. It's about values, ethics, goals, and creating an environment where employees feel they belong. Heck, Google didn't become Google just because they had Thai Tuesdays—they fostered an environment where innovation thrived³.

Dessert (The Best Part): The Ritual of Sharing Food

Remember when mom said the way to a person's heart is through their stomach? This age-old ritual still rings true, especially in the corporate world.

Food at work isn't just about curbing midday hunger pangs. It's about community. A study from Cornell University found that teams who eat together, whether it’s breakfast catering or a group order of Asian delicacies, perform better than those who eat separately⁴. Sharing meals, much like a sacred ritual, fosters trust, collaboration, and a sense of belonging. And when everyone’s chiming in with their office lunch ideas, you get a flavorful mix of cultures, from spicy Mexican food to creamy Thai dishes.

A Little Cherry on Top: Customization is Key

We're in an age of personalization. From our playlists to our choice between Mexican food and Thai food, everything is tailor-made. Offering diverse food options doesn't just cater to the taste buds—it caters to the soul. It sends a message: "We care about you as an individual, not just an employee number."

In Conclusion: Let's Taco 'Bout It

At the end of the day, company culture isn't just about the values you post on the breakroom wall. It’s about the ritual of coming together, the excitement of a group order, and the myriad of work lunch ideas shared among peers. It's about how values are lived, breathed, and yes, even eaten. And when everyone gets a say in the next group order, from breakfast catering to tacos, you're not just feeding the stomach; you're nourishing the soul.

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In the world of office dynamics, a well-cooked meal and a strong culture can do wonders. After all, who wouldn't look forward to a Tuesday when there's Thai food involved?