Welcome Back Week

One of the most meaningful aspects of the 2021 Summer Internship at Parkside was our in-the-office, in-person experience. What ordinarily seems routine became extra special after a year of the COVID-19 pandemic. While many other companies chose to operate remotely over the summer, Parkside reopened its doors to its employees and welcomed them back with a plethora of celebrations. On Monday, June 14th, Parkside switched from following a rotational schedule to giving all associates the option to return to the office.

Mission Taco Food Truck

In an announcement titled “Parkside is Back! Taco ‘Bout a Reason to Celebrate,” associates were made known of a nice opportunity to enjoy lunch together. Meals were provided by the Mission Taco Truck from Mission Taco Joint, a local St. Louis area restaurant. Entrees included fish, chicken, and beef tacos, as well as nachos, queso, rice, beans, and more. Parkside associates greatly enjoyed getting some fresh air, eating lunch together, and patronizing a local restaurant- all things that were harder to do last summer.

Bratzel Day

At the end of the week, associates were treated to “bratzels,” (pretzel-wrapped bratwursts) from Gus’ Pretzels, another local restaurant. Pretzel-wrapped hot dogs and classic pretzel sticks were also served. Bratzel Day was a fitting conclusion to the first week back at the office for many Parkside associates- a fun social opportunity with delicious food from another local establishment.

Good to be Back

It was impossible not to notice the positive spirit of many Parkside associates as they returned to the office. Some joked that they had never been more excited about their commute. Others reflected on the unusual, challenging year it had been conducting business virtually and in a hybrid format. For some, working from home meant more time to be around the house for small children pets, or other family members. In the end, employees seemed especially excited to return to the office in Clayton- especially for the food events. The Parkside community appears to have remained strong, as office banter and conversations have picked up almost like they never left.