Not every company can claim that what they do saves lives. But the Cambridge, MA-based biotech company Vor Biopharma isn’t every company. Specifically, they work with targeted cell therapies that help with hematological malignancies. Or, put more simply, they are working on drugs that can kill cancer cells while leaving the healthy cells alive, improving the quality of life for patients. 

A focus on company culture is core to Vor’s success, according to Samantha Riley, the administrative assistant at Vor. 

“Culture is an integral part of the day-to-day lives of everyone here,” she said. “I think what sums it up best as our three core values is passion, fellowship, and humility. Everyone is super genuine, welcoming. They’re not afraid to sit down with you and explain something and work with you. And they’re most of all passionate about the work that they’re doing and about working with everyone here as well.”

Another big part of the Vor culture? Food. 

“Food is a central part of our culture, for sure. It’s our kind of universal language in a way,” Samatha added. “So besides the work that we’re doing, I feel like food speaks volumes. It’s kind of a way for everyone to find common ground and bond together.”

In her role as administrative assistant, Samantha does a little bit of everything, from scheduling to supporting visitors to handling the food. As the company has transitioned back to having people on site, food has played an increasingly important role, whether it’s having snacks in their newly reopened break room or catered meals during lunchtime meetings. 

“Food literally has brought people to the office. They love working around the schedules for our set catering days because not only is the food delicious and they love the variety of options, but they also like the opportunity to have those water cooler moments and lunchtime conversations,” Samantha said. “It’s really nice. I sit outside next to the break room and I can hear them laughing with each other and smiling and people who don’t normally interact with each other from different teams or different levels are all sitting together at the same table. So it’s amazing to see that.”

Samantha added that ezCater has made ordering food for Vor tremendously easier, not only from the administrative and logistical side of things, but from the employee side as well. 

“Employees have complete control over what they want to eat. We have a lot of people with dietary restrictions, be it vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free, etc.. Both ezCater and Relish by ezCater are able to accommodate not only all those needs, but the food comes labeled with those needs,” she added. “People can pick their favorite restaurants and then add their own dietary needs onto their profile. Overall it has made our lives tremendously easier.”

Learn more about Relish by ezCater, and how we can make life easier for both admins and employees with recurring meals, delivered right to your office.