A medical recruiting manager contacted us about doing something for his department. With his staff overworked after an intense recruiting campaign, morale was understandably low in the group. Our client wanted to address the morale issue, as well as thank everyone for a job well done.
He did not, however, wish to take much time out of people’s workday to do something, and he most definitely did not have the time for the group to go to a full teambuilding. When asked us what kind of spontaneous, surprise event we could come up with to convey his appreciation, we immediately suggested a French Bakery Delight Cart. The strolling French bakery cart arrived late morning; it included authentic French pastries, fruit cups, sparkling French cider and some lower-fat treats as well. (We had inquired up front about any dietary restrictions so that no one would be left out.)
Along with French cafe music, we provided two French-speaking bakers and lots of colorful balloons. The bakers’ arrival at the office was dramatic, with the two of them singing out praises to the staff and inviting them all to the café, courtesy of their boss. Included in the pastry bags that everyone took home were appreciation notes the manager had written out for each staff member. The look on people's faces when we arrived was priceless; perhaps you can imagine the feeling of having a French bakery arrive in the middle of the workday, singing out praises from your boss. After serving everyone, we gathered the office together for a toast from the chief. Each person saluted their efforts and hard work, then went home with appreciation notes, balloons, pastries and a huge smile on their face. |
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