Hey there, ever wondered why that free lunch your boss offers on Fridays might be more than just a tasty treat? Let's dig into how this seemingly innocent tradition could be a strategic move to get employees back into the office.
The Temptation of Free Lunch
Irresistible Incentive or Clever Strategy?
Imagine this: You're at work, and suddenly the aroma of delicious bahn mi sandwiches fills the air. Your boss generously offers a free lunch to those who show up at the office. Sounds tempting, right? Well, that's exactly the scenario at Sendbird, where this simple gesture has sparked a resurgence in office attendance.
The Story Behind the Friday Tradition
From Sandwiches to Collaboration
At Sendbird, the idea of a free Friday lunch stemmed from the CFO's love for bahn mi sandwiches. This unofficial tradition began with a few teams opting to collaborate in person on Fridays, leading to a domino effect across the company. Soon, what started as a personal preference turned into a communal ritual that brought people together.
The Power of Food to Drive Engagement
A Slack Channel Dedicated to Lunch Orders
As the tradition gained momentum, an entire Slack channel was created for office lunch orders. Colleagues would eagerly submit their choices, creating a buzz of anticipation every week. This simple act of sharing a meal not only satisfied hunger but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among team members.
Rethinking Remote Work in the Age of AI
Challenges of Sustaining Remote Roles
While the era of remote work has its merits, Yeji Yoon highlights the limitations, especially in today's fast-paced AI-driven landscape. The need for real-time collaboration and quick decision-making makes physical presence invaluable. Remote work, although convenient, may not always align with the demands of evolving technologies and customer expectations.
Embracing Change for Productivity
Striking a Balance Between Flexibility and Efficiency
Sendbird's approach to blending in-person and remote work reflects a balance between flexibility and productivity. While the company doesn't enforce office attendance on Fridays, the allure of a complimentary bahn mi serves as a subtle nudge for employees to reconnect in person.
So, next time you savor that free office lunch, remember that it's not just about the food—it's a strategic move to foster collaboration, boost morale, and adapt to the ever-changing dynamics of the modern workplace.
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By: lvaranasi@businessinsider.com (Lakshmi Varanasi)
Title: Is Your Boss’s Free Lunch a Clever Tactic to Bring You Back to the Office?
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/free-lunch-office-rto-return-to-office-jobs-2025-7
Published Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2025 08:31:01 +0000
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