We’ve been doing a lot to try to bring back the benefits of being in-person while maintaining the flexibility of being remote.
Wrote about our specific tactics here: https://blog.roboflow.com/remote-not-distant/
How awful. I think you are trying to take the benefits of less social activity inspired remote workplaces and adding in forced. some social interaction. I would like to see this type of activity stopped.
This is a tradition that has stayed with the company since the very earliest days when we were in YC. I’ve never heard anyone complain about it, and it’s something I know many on the team (including myself) look forward to each week.
That said, it’s not one size fits all. The culture probably isn’t for everyone; hopefully, being open about how we operate helps people decide whether it’s the ideal environment for them.