Company targets employee morale boost through food

Date: 17/06/2009

One organisation has adopted a back-to-basics approach when it comes to boosting employee morale during the recession, it has been reported.

The Boston Globe has revealed tactics adopted by a number of companies looking to improve the minds and performance of their workforce directly through their stomachs.

For example, William A Berry & Son had layoffs in January but it did not stop the construction firm from creating a convivial team building event when it held a barbeque for its employees in the company car park.

Wendy Caswell, the president of Zink Imaging in Massachusetts, also emphasised how such schemes allow workers to get problems off their chests, stating that the food is indirectly "empowering" for employees wanting to discuss office issues.

Anita Desai, a human resources manager for Anderson Power Products, additionally highlighted events as a great way to start off such gatherings, noting how she held a bake-off and brought in popcorn to celebrate the season opener for the Boston Red Sox baseball team.

She told the Globe: "We want people to know that just because we've had a little bit of a downturn, we're not neglecting those we have."

To adopt such a scheme in another office, the government's Business Link service recommends that people look to improve communication by consulting employees on what would enhance their performance.

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