Connecting Over Cookies: How to Bring Coworkers Together with Food

Starting a simple tradition can help you connect with your coworkers like never before!

My team at work observes a special tradition each week, simply known as “cookie time.” Ask any of my coworkers, and they’ll tell you it’s serious business. In fact, we send each other reminder emails so no one misses out!

It all started when a local Girl Scout troop donated several cases of surplus cookies to my workplace. Each division received an allotment, and most ate all of their cookies right away… but not my division. We collectively decided to make our cookies last as long as possible by opening one box per week, on Thursday afternoons. Our restraint paid off, and a new tradition was born.

Several months later, cookie time is still going strong. Every Thursday at 4:00, we gather in a common area for coffee, cookies, and conversation. The original Girl Scout cookies are long gone, so now we rely on donations. People bring in their favorite store-bought or homemade cookies, and occasionally other treats. (I even got everyone hooked on Buc-ee’s Beaver Nuggets after my mom picked some up on a road trip.)

Occasionally, cookie time turns into a welcoming party for a new coworker or intern. We’ve also pulled out all the stops to say farewell to coworkers moving on to new adventures. The beauty of cookie time, though, is that we’re usually not celebrating anything in particular. It’s just an ordinary Thursday afternoon, and that’s reason enough.

We all enjoy the little caffeine and sugar rush, but most of all, we savor the time spent together. The size of our group varies from week to week. Our conversations range from serious (debriefing current events) to silly (embarrassing fashion trends from our high school years). We might have one type of cookie, or an impressive spread. At the end of the day, the most important element is togetherness.

Whether you’re already close with your coworkers or looking to create tighter bonds, food can be a great connector! Here are a few tips for establishing your own [insert food/drink here] tradition.

Keep it simple and sustainable

A huge part of why my team has kept up cookie time for so long is the simplicity. Cookies are inexpensive and can be eaten quickly, but they still bring plenty of joy. Pick a food or drink your team enjoys that requires minimal time, effort, and financial burden, especially if you’re planning to gather more frequently. Think coffee or chocolate rather than a full meal or homemade treats.

Hype people up

Get everyone excited for your treat of choice- and then keep them excited! Early on, a coworker sent our team a recurring calendar invitation for cookie time. The original invitation has long since expired, but the excitement hasn’t gone away. If someone brings an extra special treat or has a good story to tell, that can also help to draw people in.

Be consistent

Commit to a regular schedule, whether it’s weekly, bimonthly, or quarterly. It’s nice to have something to look forward to, particularly during busy times. No two days in my office are exactly alike, but my team can always count on cookie time on Thursdays.

Socially-distanced options

If your workplace has strict social distancing requirements, or your team works remotely, never fear! With so much technology at our fingertips, we don’t have to be physically close to connect with one another. Borrow from the Zoom happy hour model and have everyone log on with the same food or beverage at hand.

Gone are the days of the water cooler- how will you bring your coworkers together?