Pretzels as a Barometer of Being Busy

Every office has its busy times, be they monthly, quarterly or annually.

For investor relations and public relations firms, such periods vary from quarterly financial reporting, to client crises, and unexpected projects. In our office, a look at our “pretzel barrel” and how fast it is depleted is a great gauge of how busy we are.

It is filled every Monday, and by most normal Fridays, it is half full. Other Fridays, about a quarter full…which signifies a busy week; and during earnings season, I’m surprised there’s a pretzel left.

I’m not sure how or why the pretzel barrel got started in our office, but the origin of pretzels is intriguing. As the story goes, pretzels were created by an Italian monk more than 2000 years ago, who baked strips of dough and folded them into a shape resembling a child crossing his arms in prayer. The pretzel history books say nothing about the added salt.

When eating pretzels in 2017, perhaps we are subconsciously praying for help; or, as today’s health-oriented psychologists may say…we may be stress eating.

Regardless of the reason we eat pretzels—some of us do so simply because we like them—keeping one’s composure during busy times is key. I must admit that our staff is pretty good about maintaining the calm. Most days, it sure feels like we are busy. But heck, it’s Friday, and this week our barrel is still three-quarters full.

–Janet Simmons, jsimmons@pondel.com