New Orleans, August 31, 2025
News Summary
International-Matex Tank Terminals (IMTT) in New Orleans is fostering a sense of community among its employees through weekly catered lunches. Every Wednesday, around 90 staff members from various departments come together at their downtown office to share a meal, enhancing collaboration and culture within the company. These communal lunches are viewed as an effective strategy to counterbalance the isolation of remote work, especially post-pandemic. IMTT’s flexible policies, including work-from-home options on Fridays, further encourage a balanced work-life environment.
New Orleans – International-Matex Tank Terminals (IMTT) is fostering community and enhancing corporate culture with weekly catered lunches for its employees. Every Wednesday, staff members converge in the office located on the 29th floor of the IMTT Corporate Headquarters in downtown New Orleans to share a meal and strengthen relationships with their colleagues.
IMTT employs around 90 individuals at this location, where a common space showcases a wall of windows that overlook the bustling Poydras Street. Employees from various departments—including accounting, human resources, and marketing—gather at these lunches to build rapport and enhance collaboration. Company officials believe these communal meals are proving to be an effective strategy for establishing a stronger corporate culture.
Kim Nave, the office administrator at IMTT, stresses the significance of being present in the office. The shared environment created during these lunches contributes to a sense of community that employees may miss in remote work settings. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted a significant shift towards remote work, companies globally are now exploring ways to bring employees back to physical office environments. Recently, high-profile organizations such as JP Morgan Chase, Amazon, and the federal government have started modifying their work-from-home policies, favoring in-office work instead.
In south Louisiana, the return-to-office trend has been gradual, signified by a 15% to 20% increase in parking garage traffic during weekdays. Cres Gardner, a local real estate broker, notes the increased activity in downtown office garages compared to two years ago. However, Mondays and Fridays still show lighter traffic, indicating a slower adaptation to the new work culture of increased in-office days.
Many executives are advocating for in-person work, citing its advantages in boosting productivity, fostering innovation, and providing essential training opportunities for younger employees. Notably, JP Morgan Chase’s CEO has been vocal about the drawbacks of remote work. Bill Hines, a managing partner at Jones Walker, echoes this sentiment by emphasizing the benefits of physical presence among colleagues.
In the New Orleans area, numerous local companies, including IMTT and Jones Walker, have adopted some form of return-to-office policies, often incorporating flexible arrangements. For instance, SchoolMint, a technology company based in Lafayette, has mandated that employees return to office daily following office renovations. The demand for renovated office spaces and enhanced amenities is rising, signaling a shift towards revitalized work environments post-pandemic.
In Metairie, restaurant vendors at the Galleria and One Lakeway have reported high demand, sometimes running out of food and requiring additional staff to meet customer needs. The Feil Organization has also completed substantial renovations in the Galleria office building, enhancing shared spaces to cater to the evolving needs of businesses.
Though improvements in the office environment are evident since the pandemic, the traffic and presence have not fully returned to pre-pandemic levels. Many employers are now offering flexible working models, enabling employees to work remotely on selected days. IMTT, for instance, allows employees to work from home on Fridays to promote work-life balance, which also builds trust between leadership and staff.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of the weekly catered lunches at IMTT?
The weekly catered lunches at IMTT are designed to promote community and enhance corporate culture among employees, encouraging collaboration and relationship-building.
How many employees work at the IMTT office in New Orleans?
IMTT’s downtown New Orleans office has approximately 90 employees.
What changes in work culture are happening post-pandemic?
Many companies are shifting back to in-office work, with a noted increase in parking traffic and renovations in office spaces to support this change, although hybrid models and flexibility are also being implemented.
What are some outcomes of returning to the office?
Executives argue that in-person work can enhance productivity, support innovation, and provide vital training opportunities, especially for younger employees.
Does IMTT allow remote work?
Yes, IMTT allows employees to work from home on Fridays, promoting a healthier work-life balance.
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Additional Resources
- NOLA: How Louisiana companies are luring workers back to the office
- AP News: New Orleans inmates escape
- NOLA Gambit: Lunch Offers Italian Sandwiches
- Eater: Best Restaurants in New Orleans CBD
- Wikipedia: Corporate Culture
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