24Slides has always been focused on fostering strong connections among its team members, prioritizing people above all else. The “Office Snacks” Initiative originally started as a way to encourage quality time and enhance the sense of belonging within our team. It has since evolved from being just a “Junk Food Day” to a space for sharing new experiences and promoting well-being.
As a part of the Storyteller Program, Rosi, one of our talented Designers based in Malang, Indonesia, shared her experiences with Office Snacks, a monthly office gathering at 24Slides Indonesia.
Junk food is often seen as something unhealthy, and most people are trying to avoid it as much as they can. But getting together for a bite with other people can actually create a nice atmosphere and bring a really good mood for the team. That’s why at 24Slides Indonesia, we had one special day every month that we called “Junk Food Day.”
Why is it in the past tense, would you say? That is because eventually, we’ve renamed it “Office Snacks” in the hopes that this event would be more than just indulging in unhealthy snacks, aiming instead to provide an opportunity to explore new culinary experiences in town.
The concept was originally conceived years ago, with the objective of bringing colleagues in Malang closer together to strengthen our connection as a team. These gatherings used to involve sharing a friendly lunch when everyone was in the office.
However, since our team has transitioned from working in the office to a hybrid work model, where our colleagues can work both from home and the office, we’ve had to make little adjustments to the program. Now, Office Snacks is a bi-monthly event to which people can register according to availability so that everyone has a chance to participate.
It is therefore not only the name of the event that has changed, but the menu as well. In the past, our choices leaned towards pizza and burgers, but we now focus on exploring new and exciting foods that many of my colleagues have never tasted before. For instance, we’ve gathered to savor smoked noodles with some slices of beef on top, and fruit eclairs for dessert.
Personally, I find it such a fun experience to be able to try something new, and it makes it much more exciting to participate each time. Following each event, we have the opportunity to offer feedback, enabling the People Experience team to improve these gatherings over time.
Last but not least, the importance of coming together as a team for meals like the Office Snacks event cannot be overstated. Beyond just satisfying hunger, these gatherings promote team unity, strengthen connection, and create a vibrant atmosphere of shared experiences. This not only contributes to the well-being of the team members but also enhances the overall synergy and productivity within the organization. Sharing meals as a team is not just about food; it’s about building a stronger, more cohesive workforce. Alas, a team that eats together – succeeds together.
