WTF While WFH: A “What the Fun” Committee Focused on Having Fun While Working from Home

Background: In March 2020 a hospital’s Patient Education (PE) staff transitioned to working remotely full-time due to the pandemic. This included the consumer health/patient library staff, since the library is part of the PE department and the library was closed temporarily. With the staff working from home, the pandemic caused several social activities to be cancelled such as the staff retreat, birthday breakfasts, holiday parties, and more. When it was announced that staff would keep working from home into 2021, some members formed a committee that would focus on implementing ways to have fun together during work, while at home.

Description: After PE staff supervisors approved the new committee, all 15 PE staff members were petitioned for interest, with five ultimately joining the committee. Coined the “WTF: What the Fun” committee, the first task was to brainstorm ideas that could connect staff in fun ways remotely and virtually, synchronously and asynchronously. Several ideas were implemented, with the first being an October pumpkin decorating contest. In December an online pet show was launched, and in January it was PE staff favorite book quotes plus a "fun hat" department Zoom meeting. The asynchronous activities were enabled by submitted photos and text to shared Powerpoints. Future activities include a favorite movie quotes Powerpoint, Mardi Gras mask/beads department Zoom meeting, online coffee catchups, and others. The goal is to have one or more activities per month while staff continues to work from home through 2021.

Conclusion: The WTF committee made it clear from the beginning that participation in any of these activities would be completely voluntary. Of the 15 PE staff, all have participated in one or more activities. The shared Powerpoints on the staff common drive have been an easy way to implement asynchronous activities. The hospital provides full Zoom access to employees, so activities occurring on Zoom are not encumbered by time limits. The committee’s future ideas for work from home fun will hopefully include some that appeal to all PE staff until everyone can return to the office and resume team-building and social activities in person.