Free lunch and fitness centers: How Louisiana companies are luring workers back to the office.

Every Wednesday, dozens of the 90 employees who work at International-Matex Tank Terminals’ downtown New Orleans office gather for a weekly, catered lunch in the company’s 29th-floor common space, which is lined with a wall of windows overlooking Poydras Street below.

Accounting folks sit next to co-workers from the human resources or marketing departments, while members of the executive team visit with new and younger employees in what company officials say is an effective way to build a stronger corporate culture.

“Being in the office creates a sense of community among employees, and the weekly lunches help strengthen relationships,” said Kim Nave, IMTT’s office administrator. “It’s an opportunity to sit with people from other departments and get to know one another.”

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