Because I freelance, I spend a lot of time in other people’s offices.
A more recent job took me to a lovely, friendly and small startup office in central London. Such nice people, and a really good internet connection. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with them so far – long may our business relationship continue. They had coffee, they had supportive chairs, the whole shebang. Only… there was something missing.
All they had in their fridge was Diet Coke.
This is alien to me. Not just because (unusually for a writer) ‘diet’ isn’t in my vocabulary.
I’ve been to startups, creative agencies and other small-to-middling companies, and every last one of them has had proper drinks. And I’m talking about more than full fat Coke. I’m talking fridges rattling with beers, bottles of wine, pre-measured cocktails, even the occasional prosecco for when they win an award.
Having alcohol right there ready is the new normal. And is incidentally why I love being asked to work in-house with clients on a Friday. “Would you like anything to drink, Kady?” Oh, twist my arm.
The more I think about this, the more I realise I’ve been thoroughly spoiled by creative agencies. You may know the kinds of places I’m on about. The ones where they scatter beanbags on the floor so you can have a good old sit and think. Offices decorated with edgy art and retro toys, stocked with posh coffee, and boasting more plug sockets than you’ll ever need in your life. I do love them very much.
Yessir, I am officially a spoiled brat.
I told my new clients they had the first alcohol-free fridge I’d encountered. I expected them to consider the error of their ways. They were, in fact, alarmed that anyone else would keep booze at work. A logical and reasonable reaction, were I to put my beer down and think about it…
Before anyone else I work with heads for the recycling bin: I’m not implying you should get rid of the alcohol before I come back. Dear me, no. Perish the thought.
