OKW Architects believes that everyone should have a safe and enjoyable environment to do their best work. As part of our operations, we have a Wellness Committee that organizes monthly initiatives to bolster the employee experience.
The goal is to encourage our staff to make health and wellness a priority in their daily lives. Themes have ranged from nutrition to personal finance, mental puzzle games, exploration, and physical fitness.
For July, we decided that good, old-fashioned FUN was the best way to enjoy the summer heat. We therefore created three events where our staff would be able to unwind and enjoy themselves.
Summer Outing
We rented out the rooftop patio of the J Parker, which overlooks beautiful Lincoln Park and Lake Michigan for this year’s summer outing. We knew it would be fun, but we hadn’t counted on it being the literal hottest day of the year.
However, thanks to great company - and plenty of industrial fans - we kept cool. Complete with a signature cocktail (The Six-0) to commemorate our 60th anniversary, it was the perfect way to celebrate summer.
Ice Cream Social
When temperatures soar, the best antidote is a heaping scoop of ice cream … followed by a long line of toppings. From mini Reese’s peanut butter cups to Fruity Pebbles cereal, we created a smorgasbord of sweet and salty treats for everyone to customize their own unique creations.
(We also bought low-calorie, dairy-free ice cream for those who prefer a less indulgent option, but sources say those went completely untouched.)
Game Night
We ended July with a Game Night in our office. Our marketing manager and board game aficionado brought a box of games from off the beaten path and introduced them to the staff.
The games ranged from frenetic (PIT), brain-melting (Anomia), hilarious (Exploding Kittens), and thought-provoking (Fibbage). While it may not have been directly related to summer, it was undoubtedly fun, and the first of many.