Kathy Davis, Communications
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| Brianna Hallenbeck and Robert Ring, Chemical and Hop Lab employees, enjoying lunch and comradery. |
After two and a half years of being disconnected and isolated due to COVID-19, WSDA staff in Yakima are gathering again to strengthen team bonds.
The Seed and Fruit and Vegetable Inspection programs have joined forces to host two building-wide staff potluck events, on July 20 and Nov. 10.
According to Seed Program Manager Paula Moore, her team previously had a long history of team-building gatherings and holiday celebrations. While they tried to continue with socially distant activities during COVID, “there was still a lack of personal connection that could be felt throughout the team,” she noted.
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| Matthew Beltran, F&V |
As public health restrictions began to ease over the past year, Seed and F&V programs came up with the idea of a “welcome back” potluck to include all staff in the Yakima building.
The summer event was a big hit, featuring a taco bar with meat grilled by staff volunteers, as well as a variety of side dishes contributed by employees. The latest potluck was also well attended, with local staff eager to reconnect.
The events also gave newer staff an opportunity to be welcomed into the agency and meet their colleagues.
“Laughter could be heard from down the hall as employees mingled,” said Amber Betts, WSDA media relations specialist based in Yakima. “Some were meeting for the first time, though working in the same building, or in different programs.”
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| Teriann Skay, F&V |
The two programs also arranged activities, such as a trivia contest, and provided donated goodie bags and door prizes.
“Yakima-based managers of both programs see value in these types of staff gatherings and hope to continue bringing building staff together by making the potlucks a quarterly event,” Paula said.
In summary: After two and a half years of being disconnected and isolated due to COVID-19, WSDA staff in Yakima are gathering again to strengthen team bonds. The Seed and Fruit and Vegetable Inspection programs have joined forces to host two building-wide staff potluck events, which have been well attended, with local staff eager to reconnect. The events also gave newer staff an opportunity to be welcomed into the agency and meet their colleagues. Read more on the Insider blog.
