In December 2020, Ndustrial was facing a challenge many companies know well: how to keep employees engaged and connected, especially in a hybrid work environment. Enter Laura MacLachlan, Director of People operations, who decided to try something different— HeyTaco.
Laura wanted a tool that could break down barriers, build a sense of community, and reinforce the company’s core values of Quality, Customer First, Teamwork, and Curiosity. And she wanted to do it in a way that was fun and authentic.
Laura introduced HeyTaco as a lighthearted way for employees to give each other kudos. The idea was simple: every time someone did something great, a colleague could send them a “taco” along with specific feedback tied to one of the company’s core values. To sweeten the deal, Ndustrial set up a reward system where every 25 tacos earned translated into a $25 gift card.
It wasn’t long before the program took off. Even those who were initially skeptical—thinking, “this taco thing is silly”—were quickly won over by the fun and positivity it brought to the workplace. As Laura put it, “Getting a taco always feels good. Who doesn’t like to be appreciated?”
The key to HeyTaco’s success at Ndustrial was its organic adoption. Employees naturally began to recognize each other more often, creating a ripple effect of positivity throughout the company. It wasn’t just about handing out tacos; it was about making recognition meaningful by tying it to the company’s values. This daily practice helped employees feel more connected to the company's mission and each other.
Laura also got creative with how tacos could be used. When she mistakenly bought a mini-sized foosball table for the office, she turned it into a fun challenge: the team could collectively donate their tacos to purchase a regulation-sized table. Employees enthusiastically jumped in, donating their tacos until they reached the goal. In just a short time, they’d pooled enough tacos for a new table—and had a blast doing it!
And the creativity didn’t stop there. Recently, Ndustrial introduced the option to donate tacos to plant trees through One Tree Planted. In just a few weeks, employees donated enough tacos to plant 100 trees globally—a choice that Laura found especially meaningful: “It tells you what people value and prioritize.”
Since launching HeyTaco, Ndustrial has seen some amazing results:
Laura attributes HeyTaco’s success to its simplicity and authenticity. “It's fun, it's easy, and people love it,” he says. “Values are often just words on a wall, but with HeyTaco, we're living them every day. It’s positive reinforcement, and it feels like a celebration.”
Ndustrial continues to explore new ways to use HeyTaco to keep the energy high and the recognition flowing. Whether it’s planting trees, saving up for a team espresso machine, or just giving someone a smile on a tough day, tacos have become much more than a fun gimmick—they’re a core part of the company’s culture.
And as Laura reflects, “When I need a pick-me-up, I just look at the taco channel and see all the great things people are saying about each other. It’s an instant boost!”
About Ndustrial:
Ndustrial provides a platform that optimizes operations and energy efficiency for industrial facilities. Using real-time data and advanced analytics, ndustrial helps companies in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and food processing improve operational efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and achieve sustainability goals. With a passionate team of 40 employees, ndustrial is committed to fostering a culture of excellence, teamwork, and curiosity while making a positive impact in the industrial sector.