What's Happening?
Sendbird, an AI customer service platform, has implemented a tradition of offering free lunch to employees who come into the office on Fridays. This initiative, started by the company's chief financial officer, aims to encourage more workers to return to the office. The CFO's personal preference for banh mi sandwiches from a local Vietnamese restaurant led to the creation of this tradition. Although Fridays are not official in-person workdays, the company requires employees to be on-site on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The free lunch has become popular among employees, leading to increased office attendance on Fridays. A Slack channel and Google Sheet are used to manage lunch orders, and the initiative has grown organically as employees enjoy the opportunity for collaboration and social interaction.
AD
Why It's Important?
The move by Sendbird highlights a broader trend among companies seeking to bring employees back to the office after extended periods of remote work. While remote work has been praised for its flexibility, the rapid changes in technology, particularly AI, have increased the need for real-time collaboration and decision-making. By offering incentives like free lunch, companies aim to foster a collaborative environment that can adapt quickly to changing customer expectations and product developments. This approach may benefit businesses by enhancing productivity and innovation through increased in-person interactions.
What's Next?
Sendbird plans to continue encouraging office attendance through incentives like free lunch, but there are no immediate plans to mandate in-person work on Fridays. The company will likely monitor the effectiveness of this initiative in increasing office attendance and may consider expanding similar incentives to other days or offices globally. As businesses navigate the balance between remote and in-person work, similar strategies may be adopted by other companies seeking to optimize collaboration and productivity.
Beyond the Headlines
The initiative raises questions about the future of work and the role of office environments in fostering collaboration and innovation. As companies explore ways to balance remote and in-person work, the cultural and social aspects of office life may become increasingly important. The use of food as an incentive also highlights the potential for creative approaches to employee engagement and retention.
