By Susan Shalhoub
PBN Staff Writer

Providing project management and systems consulting is busy work, full of deadlines and unforeseen circumstances. For Turino Group of Providence, which has been serving private businesses and government corporations since 1996, it often means co-workers on different sites – especially during the summertime – and not crossing paths much.

President David Giardino brainstormed what he could do. He formulated a three-part solution for his 25 employees to better relate and collaborate: pizza, beer and wings. Every Friday.

“We work hard and it’s almost nonstop,” he said. “This is time to breathe and check in with each other – kind of a wind-down time.” The sessions have no agenda, he said. What’s important is that they take place. Co-workers may discuss anything from a problem on a project to what is happening with their children.

“I just kind of fund it, and it’s whatever they feel like talking about,” Giardino said with a laugh.

Another way Turino Group beats tension is with spontaneous “random pub trips,” said Giardino. “It’s usually monthly or bimonthly,” he said, and is an opportunity for co-workers to touch base.

Whether they are replacing the Warren Bridge, demolishing the Sakonnet River railroad bridge, or devising custom software solutions for clients, Turino Group works hard. But the company also makes sure its employees have the tools they need – such as updated certifications, which the company funds – to do the job.

Along with that comes some needed stress relief and socializing. And that may include a few orders for large cheese and pepperoni. •