Culture Project Blogs | Corporate Essentials

people enjoying a company-provided lunch

Five Benefits of Offering Chef Curated Meals in the Workplace in your NY/NJ Office as an Employee Perk

Judson Kleinman February 22, 2024

As a business owner or office manager, a key part of your role is determining which investments return the most value for your company. Although company-provided lunch for employees might not be the first thing to cross your mind, it’s actually one of the most cost-effective ways to boost productivity and team morale. Think of providing chef-curated meals in your NJ/NY office as an investment in your company’s ongoing success. Read on to learn about five of the biggest benefits NY/NJ companies (and their teams) can enjoy by providing company-provided workplace dining as an employee perk. Boost Employee Morale As we mentioned above, employee perks like company provided breakfast, lunch, and snacks in the office make team members feel valued. When people feel valued, they feel happier and are more motivated at work. While a business can save money by not providing free food in the workplace, data shows that

The Value of Simple Holiday Get-Togethers In the Office

Judson Kleinman December 13, 2023

Finding ways to fuel a positive office culture throughout the year is key to any company’s success (on several levels). Hosting holiday get-togethers is one way to do so. Office get-togethers can be lavish, off-premise catered affairs and the New York City metro area, where we are located, certainly has the venues to accommodate those. But sometimes, a more intimate gathering strikes the perfect note to keep your team connected and engaged. Reasons to Keep the Holiday Get-Togethers Simple Consider keeping your office holiday party low-key with a potluck dinner, happy hour, or a simple lunch—and keep it on your premises. These options work well because: a) No one has to get dressed up if they don’t want to. b) The party is in a familiar environment and everyone knows where it is. c) It is easier to make conversation in a more intimate setting. d) It’s easy

two people enjoying coffee at a coffee tasting event and talking

Fueling Team Spirit and Productivity: 6 Pros of Having a Coffee Tasting Event at Your NYC, Manhattan, and NJ Office

Judson Kleinman November 8, 2023

The power of coffee goes beyond the energy boost that a cup of joe can provide. The magic of a coffee tasting event in the workplace can build on the culture that your New York, Manhattan or New Jersey workplace provides. Beyond just serving caffeine fixes, coffee tastings can be a fun and productive way to engage your office team. In this blog post, we’ll explore six compelling reasons why you should consider organizing a coffee tasting at the office. 1. Fostering Team Bonding In the fast-paced world of office life, fostering strong bonds among team members is essential. A coffee tasting event provides the perfect opportunity for your employees to come together. When colleagues gather to sample different coffee flavors, the social aspect of sharing and discussing these unique brews can work wonders in bringing your team closer. Whether they’re debating the merits of a robust dark

How Corporate Essentials Can Be Part of the Plan to Elevate Your NYC/NJ Break Room Experience

Judson Kleinman July 26, 2023

Employers throughout the NYC/NJ metro area are bringing employees back to the office more and more . . . and they are tasked with finding office perks that their teams desire. An elevated break room experience is one office perk that’s making a difference. And when you make Corporate Essentials part of the plan to elevate your break room, everyone at your location benefits—from the business owner to the office manager or human resource director to your employees. The Importance of A Rewarding Break Room Experience When a company offers a nice break room, employees notice—and use it. A well-appointed break room space is where teams gather to relax and refresh—both physically and mentally. It’s where they leave workday stress behind for a while as they socialize and refuel, or hold an impromptu team meeting over coffee. In short, a rewarding break room experience reflects your company’s positive corporate

shelf filled snacks and taps of cold brew next to the shelf as an office perk.

Top NYC/NJ Office Perks in 2023

Judson Kleinman May 16, 2023

As companies return to a workplace reminiscent of pre-pandemic life, there are still some hurdles to overcome with bringing back and retaining employees. The pandemic ushered in an unprecedented shift in workplace dynamics, with hybrid work models becoming commonplace in offices throughout the area. Balancing a hybrid workforce while maintaining and improving company culture and connection is a current challenge many human resource and people operations teams face. As we go further into the year, companies will strategize ways to improve the culture of their new-looking workforce to incentivize employees to return to the office. Upgrading Employee Break Room Offerings With employees adjusted to a post-pandemic workspace, they will seek out something new and exciting in the break room after being away for almost 2+ years. Providing employees office perks is a great way to create a nurturing and welcoming environment. Keep in mind that one way to your employees’ hearts is through

bean & bean coffee roaster mother and daughter

NYC’s Local Mother/Daughter Coffee Roaster Duo: Bean & Bean Coffee

Judson Kleinman March 2, 2023

Rachel and Jiyoon Han are the Mother/Daughter Q Grader Duo™ behind every coffee that gets served at Bean & Bean. Since their beginnings on Manhattan’s Rector Street & Broadway in 2008, they have expanded their operation to four locations, with their latest roastery expansion in Queens, New York. Bean & Bean’s commitment to improving the world is just as great as the quality of its coffee. Rachel and Jiyoon source only organic and fair trade certified™ coffee to prioritize environmental sustainability and fair compensation for farmers. Gourmet NYC Coffee That’s Bridging the Gap For over 15 years, Bean & Bean’s unwavering dedication to bridging the gender pay gap throughout the value chain has spoken volumes to the quality of their product. Despite comprising half of the coffee workforce, women earn significantly less than their male counterparts. Together with their partners, Bean & Bean aims for women to get their fair

Strategies for Bringing Employees Back to the Office in 2022… and Keeping Remote Team Members Engaged

Judson Kleinman March 3, 2022

It’s 2022 and in the almost-post-COVID era, the return to the office is really happening. Many companies are figuring out how to bring employees back to their locations in the new normal of the on-site workplace. There’s a lot to consider to ensure that team members are comfortable, protected, and happy to be back. Those water cooler moments or break room gatherings might look slightly different today, workspaces could be reconfigured, and for the NY and NJ clients we serve, indoor restaurant dining may not yet be comfortable for everyone. Employers must also support their remote employees who still want to feel “part of the team.” Keeping WFH team members engaged and satisfied presents new challenges that require fresh thinking. In addition, many employers might have to balance a hybrid on-site/off-site workforce. These factors present challenges to maintaining a positive company culture and employee connections to each other and to

Establishing a Corporate Wellness Program To Create a Successful Team

Judson Kleinman November 23, 2021

Establishing a Corporate Wellness Program Will Give Your Business a Shot in the Arm Time for a Wellness Visit—at the Office There are excellent reasons for companies to initiate a corporate wellness program and now is the perfect time, as employees return to the office. Not only will it improve your team’s overall health and productivity, but it can also lower health care, workman’s comp, and disability costs; reduce absenteeism; and increase employee motivation and loyalty. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 7 of the top 10 causes of death were chronic diseases–among the most costly and preventable. By providing a health and wellness program at the workplace, you support your team with education and resources on topics like nutrition, substance and tobacco abuse, and mental health that positively impact their wellbeing and reduce your employees’ risk of disease. This results in fewer sick days, better

Rediscovering the Lost Art of Small Talk in the Workplace

Judson Kleinman November 18, 2021

The isolation of the pandemic has brought about the realization that we’ve forgotten the fine art of small talk. Although it may seem relatively trivial, small talk is essential to our development as a society. The ability to converse in a light, friendly manner helps put people at ease and fosters open communication between friends and colleagues. At work, it allows us to transition to more serious subjects, learn about ourselves and others, and develop a healthy rapport. In fact, research shows that spontaneous conversations with our coworkers can spark collaboration, improve creativity, generate innovation, and heighten employee performance and foster a feeling of being a part of the team. In a recent study analyzing smalltalk productivity, subjects reported feeling more positive emotions–including friendliness, gratitude, pride, and energy on the days when they experienced small talk in the morning. That energy elevated their well-being and made them feel less burned

Benefits Beyond the Basics Create a Happier Workplace

Judson Kleinman October 21, 2021

During his tenure as mayor of New York City from 1978-1989, Ed Koch was commonly heard asking his constituents, “How am I doing?” Koch was ahead of the curve in understanding that honest feedback from the residents of New York was a critical part of knowing how to best serve the city. When applying that philosophy to the workplace, the same holds true. Asking for feedback from employees increases motivation, empowerment, and contentment in the workplace. Although they are intangible qualities, they are inherently beneficial to growing a successful business. Employees crave appreciation, work-life balance, honesty, and transparency, which may require intentionally creating a healthier culture at the workplace. For instance, a benefit trends study by MetLife reveals that 69% of employees say that having a more comprehensive array of benefits would increase loyalty to their employer. Another statistic notes that 59% state that their employers provide benefits and programs

The Break Room Breakdown: Office Pantries vs. Micro Markets

Judson Kleinman September 28, 2021

Business owners are quickly realizing the benefits of showing a little extra love to their employees post-pandemic . . . and what better way than to keep them healthfully fed and fueled? Two popular ways to provide refreshments and meals to your team throughout the day are office pantries and micro markets. These employee perks will help your business attract the best talent and build positive culture and morale. But, how do you know which one is right for you? Here’s the breakdown: Office Pantry Services Office pantries—also called free vend service—are designed to offer beverages and snacks free of cost to employees with all expenses picked up by the employer. Pantries have reach-in coolers and racks filled with drinks and snacks ready for team members to grab at will. Inventory and layout design can be customized according to budget, needs, and space requirements. This service is also a time-saver

25 Years of Corporate Essentials – Judson Kleinman Interview

Judson Kleinman September 15, 2021

A Retrospective Look at 25 Years of Corporate Essentials with CEO Judson Kleinman In late September, we’re celebrating our 25th anniversary. Founder and CEO Judson Kleinman looks back at the company that began strictly as an office coffee service provider in this Q&A. Why did you start the company? I always had a dream to start my own company. After college, I worked for a foodservice company where I learned a lot about the industry—especially how much I liked it. In 1996, Starbucks was coming onto the scene and people were noticing the difference of freshly brewed, well-roasted coffees over the status quo. I saw an opportunity to provide excellent coffee that employees would really appreciate. It was a market gap that had not yet been filled. What was your vision of what Corporate Essential could or would be? I liken it to the “Field of Dreams.” Have great coffee

Culture Project

Five Benefits of Offering Chef Curated Meals in the Workplace in your NY/NJ Office as an Employee Perk

The Value of Simple Holiday Get-Togethers In the Office

Fueling Team Spirit and Productivity: 6 Pros of Having a Coffee Tasting Event at Your NYC, Manhattan, and NJ Office

How Corporate Essentials Can Be Part of the Plan to Elevate Your NYC/NJ Break Room Experience

Top NYC/NJ Office Perks in 2023

NYC’s Local Mother/Daughter Coffee Roaster Duo: Bean & Bean Coffee

Strategies for Bringing Employees Back to the Office in 2022… and Keeping Remote Team Members Engaged

Establishing a Corporate Wellness Program To Create a Successful Team

Rediscovering the Lost Art of Small Talk in the Workplace

Benefits Beyond the Basics Create a Happier Workplace

The Break Room Breakdown: Office Pantries vs. Micro Markets

25 Years of Corporate Essentials – Judson Kleinman Interview

Categories

Navigation

Recent Posts

Invest in Employee Engagement With Full Pantry Service for Your NY/NJ Office

Five Benefits of Offering Chef Curated Meals in the Workplace in your NY/NJ Office as an Employee Perk

20 Office Snacks to Share with Your Co-Workers

World-Class Frozen Treats in a Snap! Meet ColdSnap!

Four Benefits of Offering Breakfast in your NY/NJ Office

Contact

Follow Us