The Lunch Culture And More

I had complained a little while back that I was being underutilized at Time Inc., but now my coworkers are definitely getting my hands full as much as they could. I actually prefer it this way, because that means that they have a certain level of expectation of what I can deliver for them. And these are very hardworking, smart people who say intelligent things and make intelligent decisions. Do you know that feeling of pressure being around intelligent people? You just can't allow yourself to screw up. Ergo, you work extra harder... and pretend you blend in. Haha!

I have only been with People Consumer Marketing for a couple of weeks, but I kind of get the culture of this side of the business already.

These people have lunches.
I like this lunch culture thing. The way it works is that, since everybody is friendly and approachable and social, but extremely busy, they take the time to ask everyone else for "lunch"- a very important time to network and talk about more personal things. As ironic as it sounds, lunches can tend to become appointments - but equally important as any other office meeting. Hence the overusage of the "Make Appointment" Outlook feature.

I believe the food in the building helps cultivate this lunch culture thing somehow. Time Inc. has a fantastic cafeteria. They have a very wide variety of cuisines prepared fresh as you order. I had South African food last week, and Pan-Asian today. I also can never get enough of their freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies, I have it everyday. And it's relatively cheap.

Best of all, lunchtime is strictly for lunch - not doing work (unless it's a work lunch, obviously). Most people will make you get out of your cube to grab lunch - because it is important and you deserve it.

The 5 o'clock deadline.
Having worked in advertising and promotions in the past, leaving at exactly 5pm is very much frowned upon. The 9 to 5 cliche is not really 9 to 5. It's 9 to whenever your boss leaves the office or after. Which can be as late as after dinner.

In Time Inc., people work as efficient as they can to finish everything by 5. Okay, 5:45 tops (give or take all the chitchatting in between work hours). But then, if you leave at 5pm, they will not roll their eyes and whisper "What a lazy underachiever." to themselves. Instead, they will say "I'll see you tomorrow!" with a smile. Knowing that you are responsible enough to finish what you need to do for the day.

A culture of growth and respect.
Not only does the company provide avenues for self-expression for different races, they also make sure they can contribute to the development of your well-being - be it as a student, a parent, or a person in general - straight, bi or gay.

They have plenty of noteworthy tutorial programs that employees can freely attend. They have a playroom for the kids to hang out all day (perhaps for single or hands-on parents) and a library and a book shop with discounted items. They celebrate cultural diversity through events, walkathons and promotions in and outdoor. They are understanding of their employees who are pursuing graduate school (and would even pay for part of their tuition fees). And my favorite, they serve everyone free snacks at 3pm everyday.

From the biggest scenarios to the littlest of details, to me, the company had done a great job in making their people function and grow the best way they can.


I can't say yet that my division is the coolest ever, or Time Inc. is THE ideal "big" company to work for. Hmm... I still kinda miss some things about working in a smaller one - like the past couple of companies I've worked with. I like to have structure, but please ditch the red tape. The "global" feel is enticing, but you still feel "local" working within a small group or department. It's the big fish in a small pond vs. small fish in a big pond kind of argument.

I don't know, I am just impressed with the culture of this company. And regardless if this company is as big as it is, or as tiny as a 10-man team, I would still blog about it because it got the good side of me.