FCL Spirit Week
This is new for us! While we are an organization focused on elevating learning experiences and opportunities for all, we also have a strong commitment to our team’s wellbeing and fostering a positive work environment where members feel valued, supported and energized. Our company culture is a priority and something we want to share more of with you as a resource to inspire productivity and engagement. Join us for #LifeAtFCL
It was the last week of January and team morale was waning. Could we blame it on the time of year, that post-holiday void, with little sunlight and temperatures falling well below zero? Of course we could. Surely we could point to what seems like a never-ending pandemic. That’s easy. Time seemed to be standing still, while also moving rapidly.
This overall sense of blah seemed to rear its ugly head at our standing Wednesday morning team sync. Generally these meetings are meant to share updates related to projects, something pressing or relevant for the larger team to be aware of, and to celebrate achievements. As if by design, this particular week was a bit different, we were to have an all-team update, each sharing what had our attention professionally and a wellness check-in. One colleague made mention to the dreadful monotony, the sameness of each day and the inability to get jazzed. As she spoke, I was reminded of an article I read in New York Times a few days prior, addressing just that - how to break up the monotony of life. The advice: do something different; shake up your routine. It could be something silly, like a kitchen dance party, or brushing your teeth with the opposite hand. The writer went on to share how a colleague of hers suggested they create a number of “tasks” (nothing embarrassing or too elaborate) for each other to accomplish each day. As I shared this piece of wisdom, our CEO added a similar anecdote of an old University friend who created her own spirit week - and just like that the spark was lit and the tease of an FCL Spirit Week was made.
Little did the larger team know a makeshift “Spirit Week” committee was formed almost immediately, secret meetings were had and a series of uplifting activities for the team to participate in were decided on. Announcements were made, the following week would become the Inaugural FCL Spirit Week.
Here is the breakdown and details of the week:
Day 1: Sliding Doors Career Day
Please come to the career fair at 10:00 AM prepared to communicate to the team where you would be if you did not squeeze through the EdTech Door - You can use attire, props, voice, music or other forms of meditation to communicate to us your alternate career path.
Day 2: Happy Groundhog Day
Please EMAIL or TEAMS the one moment you would like to relive day in and day out (think a more positive Bill Murray in Groundhog Day vibe). Please include what song you would have playing and the show, series or movie that would be playing on your device. Please keep this information confidential. We will be revealing these later in the week.
Day 3: Nourishment and Love
Let’s celebrate what we are 'able' to do - care for ourselves and those we love, and connect with humans over a meal. Prepare your favourite meal and meet for a team lunch.
Day 4: There's nothing to lose and nothing to prove... 🎶🎵
Dancing has so many health benefits! So your challenge is to put on your pump me up music, turn it up loud and bust a move- then TAKE A RISK AND SHARE IT WITH OUR GROUP - guarantee it will make your colleagues smile. Please try it out sometime this evening if you are the kitchen dance party type or tomorrow when you need a little extra shot of energy, feel free to grab a partner and get them up on the dance floor.
Day 5: “this river I step in is not the river I stand in” ~ Greek philosopher Heraclitus
Friday is all about YOU, the wonderful person you are, take time during the 'work' day to take care of you. Do something you love, treat yourself, focus on just you. Don't worry you don't have to post, live stream it or write a novel about it- hold it close, keep it a secret and enjoy.
It was simple, it was easy and most of all it was joy-inducing. These uncomplicated daily shake-ups did enough to change the vibe and increase everyone’s level of enthusiasm.
Spirit week was one of many team building events we’ve experienced through the remote working lens. This past year our team has participated in team trivia, free lunches (we like food, A LOT), deliveries of small care packages (including treats and WFH musts like houseplant subscriptions and bubbly🍾), and a virtual escape room party. Each interaction has consider benefits and perks, community, and our physical spaces.
We hope these ideas have inspired you to make it FUN. Share ways you’re engaging your team or students. Comment below!