Tell me what your canteen is,
and I will tell you what your company is.
During my rare visits to Irish pubs I sometimes meet people working or worked in the same companies I previously worked for. While recalling past times over a few beers I always mention canteen experience. A few weeks ago, when I introduced myself as a writer, I was told it would be great to start writing a book about corporate canteens similar to popular guides to pubs, bars and restaurants. And I was even immediately invited to a corporate canteen for a starter!
So, let’s begin with a canteen I visited ten years ago (2000) in Moscow, Russia. The company I worked for at that time was Luxoft, the part of a bigger IBS Group Holding. As we were sitting in an office recreated from a past factory we had to go for a lunch to another building where IBS headquarters were residing. The food was good but expensive (not subsidized) and, sometimes, as a part of the team building exercise we were also walking to a another nearby canteen that belonged to some scientific institute I don’t recall the name of. The good thing about IBS corporate canteen was that occasionally we could see top Russian corporate and IT strategists. If they were eating there the food must be really good. After 10 years I still remember some dishes despite their small portioned size. Salads were traditionally Russian. Sometimes there were even free tables to sit and eat in solitude. At that time I didn’t have an idea to read a book during lunch time. I also noticed the availability of cognac that could be purchased separately. However, I don’t recall seeing employees drinking spirits in that canteen. We could even walk after lunch as there were quiet places outside with benches and trees. Although, I had never come to that idea at that time.
Later, if I recall more details I update this post.
If you would like to demonstrate your company canteen you may drop me a message and invite me for a lunch. Anonymity is guaranteed!
- Dmitry Vostokov @ ManagementBits.com -
