Blog

While Retail Business Services, the services company of Ahold Delhaize USA, associates may be working independently while working from home, they are still taking time to gather together – virtually – and build connections. Last week, Roger Wheeler, President of Retail Business Services, kicked off RBS Reads, a six-week summer series through which Retail Business Services leaders read their favorite childhood book to associates and their families.

“This is definitely going to be the best part of my day, and I hope it’s the best part of your day,” Wheeler told more than 60 attendees at the start of the event.

Held during the lunch hour, RBS Reads is an opportunity for associates and their families to take a small break in the middle of the day and interact with one another in a different way. The program is one way Retail Business Services is continuing to grow its culture of care and sense of community, while promoting work-life balance as many associates work remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Wheeler read from The Monster at the End of This Book by Jon Stone, a Sesame Street novel staring the lanky, blue character Grover. Penguin Random House granted permission to read the book to the company’s internal audience. Before reading, Wheeler shared his love of Sesame Street as a child, as well as some fond memories he had of his parents reading this book to him.

“Having a favorite show and having a favorite book is such an important thing about being a kid, and when I was growing up Sesame Street was the thing to watch,” he said. “This was my favorite book; I used to ask my mom to read this to me about five times a day.”

As Wheeler read through the story, the audience followed Grover, a nervous monster who increasingly tried to prevent readers from reaching the final page as he is afraid of the monster at the end of the book. On the final page, Grover realizes that he was the titular monster, all along.

“Grover is from Sesame Street, so he is a monster – but he doesn’t realize he’s the monster at the end of the book until the very end,” Wheeler said. “I used to think that was the funniest thing.”

After he finished reading, Wheeler talked with attending children about their favorite books, what they have been learning, and what they have been doing through the summer. He also spoke to the importance of going outside and being active.

“It was great to get together,” Wheeler told the group. “It’s brightening up my day for sure, and I hope this brightened up your day.”

After the meeting was over, several associates shared thoughts and appreciation of this opportunity to bond with their families, even in the middle of a work day.

“Thank you,” wrote Barbara Beatley, Contract Specialist with Sourcing Services. “I don't have young kids, but this was one of my favorite books, so I joined to listen as well. Very fun!”

“This is the best lunch hour I’ve had in a long time,” said Mary Ann Haskett, VP, Office of the CIO, IT Executive and Administration.

“Thanks for putting this on,” added Jeffrey Roeder, Clinical Program Specialist. “My son really enjoyed it.”

“Thank you! This was really a great team building activity,” noted Beth Gliksman, Talent Management Specialist.

 “We really enjoyed this. Thanks so much,” commented Dennis Garner, Director of Apps Development, who joined with his granddaughter.

Grateful for the hard work its associates put forth each and every day, Retail Business Services is proud to offer programs like RBS Reads that encourage work-life balance for associates and their families.