Last week our office observed Administrative Professional’s Day all week:
Monday: Hot breakfast featuring Belgian waffles, sausage, fruit and pastries.
Tuesday: Lunch on the patio with grilled burgers and hot dogs.
Wednesday: Fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies.
Thursday: Miniature pies from the new Pie Sisters store in Georgetown.
Friday: Ice cream bars.
When I read the email announcing the plans, I was disappointed to see the focus on food–high-calorie, sugary, fatty food. I know that my reaction probably was unique–most people looked forward to all of the different “treats.” It made me feel like a celebration curmudgeon, but when so many of our office staff are seriously overweight, the week of caloric excess really bothered me.
The thing is, I don’t know what our office administrators could have done instead. In past years, when our budget wasn’t as tight, the events were more varied, and included professional chair massages, free movie passes, etc. Even if we could afford to do that now, I’m not sure it would have gone over as well. Most people really enjoyed the food, and also enjoyed getting away from their desks to enjoy the food together. I can’t think of any healthier alternatives that would have been as popular–we can barely get 10 people to come to a free yoga class!
Are your office celebrations focused on food?
Can you think of healthier alternatives that still would be popular?
![The Ultimate Coffee Date](http://got2run4me.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ultimate-Coffee-Date.png" "The Ultimate Coffee Date")
Im always a fan of GIFTCARDS.
Visa giftcards 🙂 that way people I love can buy what they love…
I am so jealous you were able to celebrate all week! My first office we would celebrate every little thing and then my second office we celebrated NOTHING but the pay, comps, etc. were better so it was a trade off. When we celebrated in the first office it was never healthy. I gained 5 pound in the 2 years I worked there….cringe!!
I was thinking something similar recently when we were at a program for my daughter's religious school class. It was a parent participation type thing and the spread of food was ridiculous – bagels, cream cheese, donuts, pastries, etc, etc. There may have been one thing of fruit. In our family, we all eat breakfast as soon as we wake up, so it's always weird to then go somewhere and eat again. I always wonder how many people are actually hungry, or are they just eating because it's there.
Sometimes I'm so glad I don't have those office temptations. I know we send goodies to my husband's work all the time when I want things out of the house. Sorry to his staff. Why is that?
Your situation does seem a little overboard to have something every day. I think I would have been bothered, too. At least the pies were mini. 🙂
That's sad when you put it that way. I mean, I'm always the odd one out who doesn't get overjoyed when someone brings donuts, but what else would please everyone else? Can't think of anything, except $50 checks.