Why Group Meals are Part of Frontier Culture

Frontier is a fundraising agency that is part of a larger umbrella organization called Benifactor. Today we want to share a bit about the Benifactor-wide culture that bonds our agency with sister agencies like Charity Electric, and helps us learn from one another.

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Everyone knows that life moves fast, but a 32 hour work week moves even faster. So, how do the Benifactor folk maintain a close-knit relationship? A family meal, of course. Every second week, each team gets together to break bread—or in this case—burritos. We alternate team lunches with bi-weekly Taco Tuesday Townhalls that include all agencies under the Benifactor umbrella.

This lunchtime routine may seem like a nicety provided by our fearless leader and CEO, but underneath the friendly gesture lies something more meaningful: efficiency. Most office cultures include the obligatory “water-cooler talk” that slows down the start of each morning. While catching up with co-workers may be essential to workplace socialization, the startup world can be unforgiving, making time a precious commodity.

Our culture is particularly unique due to its dedication to work/life balance. However, by choosing to work here, you accept the challenge to get the same amount of work done in 32 hours than most get done in 40. It may sound cliché, but at Benifactor we truly work harder in order to play longer. A week at Benifactor isn’t a marathon; it’s a sprint. We earn our three-day weekends.

Is it possible to abandon the idle chit-chat that seems to be a fixture of traditional office life? To be honest, it’s not. However, you can redirect it into something purposeful.

This is where “Taco Tuesdays” come in. Not only do they provide a break from the shorter, fast-paced work week, but they also give everyone a chance to share a delicious meal and some good conversation before discussing any upcoming events or work-related news. The discussions are guided, practical, and efficient use of time. It has become an invaluable opportunity to come together to simultaneously strengthen our relationships and close any knowledge gaps across agencies.

And let’s just say it, who doesn’t enjoy a good taco!

— Guest Post Courtesy of Samantha Boiani, Charity Electric