Stealing a blog title from an Alan Parker book is probably a sin he’ll forgive. At least I hope he will – the man has one hell of a sharp pen.
In this series we explore themes that revolve around life inside this wonderful madhouse and we seem to have danced around the mention of food for too long. And as the team grows in number, the subject only gets a little more interesting. A relatively recent addition in the form of one mad Matt brought an unusual take on the matter – he’s an agnostic. He eats to live another day and can’t care what’s on his plate.
Still shedding the bubble wrap, however, is, Keith – the newest kid on the Switch block. He is an unashamed ‘foodie’ and dreams of having his own special knife in the way most guys covet a Singer Porsche with their initials monogrammed in its tan, leather seats. And thus balance is restored.
Let’s not take the subject lightly though. Food is important on so many levels that it deserves to be dissected, even if very, very briefly. Here goes:
1. Nutrition
What we eat during the day has a profound impact on our mood, energy, and performance throughout the day. Eating small amounts of sensible food throughout the day makes sure we don’t yoyo through energy levels, going from an inability to focus because we’re low on sugar to a food coma after a massive dose of carbohydrates.
2. Mood
We’re happier when we’re fed. Going for long stretches of time without some form of energy intake will make the most patient of us a little cranky. This is another vote in favour of small and regular ‘meals’ during the day.
We’re happier when we’re fed. Going for long stretches of time without some form of energy intake will make the most patient of us a little cranky. This is another vote in favour of small and regular ‘meals’ during the day.
3. Teamwork
A bunch of skilled people in a single space is only good enough for functional coexistence. This is not conducive to teamwork. Stopping for a while during the day and gathering around a table, food in hand, is a very pleasant way to get to know each other a little better. It takes away the constraints of ‘forced’ interaction and allows for a more convivial spirit. This creates bonds that eventually lead to stronger collaboration.
4. Let’s get social
What better than the promise of good food to get us all out of the office? If we’re not eating out, we’re cooking at our respective homes and bringing food to the office for a themed day of binge-eating. Pie-day Friday is a killer way to end the week, especially if you’re watching your weight. But even if we don’t readily admit it, cooking is an exhibitionist endeavour and we love showing off those mad kitchen skills.
5. Brand
Wait, what? Without planning it, food has become something of a brand association for us and seems to attract new individuals who have the attitude and skills that make them invaluable members of the family and who also tend to share the passion for a good meal. I can’t remember a job interview during which the conversation hasn’t turned to food at some point.
So there you have it – your day’s meal need not be another mundane means of sustenance. Treat food with the respect it deserves and you’ll be surprised how it can make life at the office easier, healthier, and infinitely more pleasant. And tread carefully because you might end up making unlikely friends in the process.
Bon appétit!
