City of Bloomington Utilities: Watercooler Conversation Summer Series

The Challenge

The City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU) is a large department with roughly 200 employees across 6 divisions and 4 locations. With so many different operations under one department, it is sometimes difficult for coworkers to feel connected to one another or understand the details of other jobs within CBU. There was a need to build a stronger sense of community where individuals understood the importance and value of the different roles that make up the entire CBU team.

The Idea

As we all know, summertime in southern Indiana is hot and sticky. For the dedicated CBU employees who commonly work outdoors, any amount of respite from the elements is a welcome treat. Keeping that in mind, CBU came up with the idea for the Watercooler Conversation Summer Series which brings together coworkers from different divisions for refreshing conversations, snacks, and camaraderie. Every Wednesday from June-August, CBU employees are invited to attend a coworker-led, short presentation and Q&A (in-person when safe to do so, or virtually when needed) on water, wastewater, stormwater, and other related topics. 

The Cost

This project did not have any associated costs beyond the employee time to create or attend the presentations. Snacks and refreshments are sometimes shared by co-workers.

The Benefit

The Watercooler Conversation Summer Series is appreciated by CBU employees. Finishing off a hot summer day with snacks and air conditioning is a morale boost for CBU workers and the information sharing and networking amongst co-workers has been beneficial. Prior to the pandemic, average weekly attendance was around 40 employees. Attendees enjoy hearing about all the different jobs and functions at CBU of which they were previously unaware. As for presenters, Holly McLauchlin says, “(Presenters) don’t normally get asked what they do on a daily basis. Being asked to present reinforces that each position at CBU is important to our whole operation.” All in all, employees leave the Watercooler Conversation Summer Series feeling more fulfilled, informed, and connected with their fellow coworkers.

The Summer Watercooler series won a “2020 Best Example of Innovation Culture” award from the Office of the Mayor’s Office of Innovation.

Metadata

Department: City of Bloomington Utilities

Department Point(s) of Contact: Holly McLauchlin

Partner(s): n/a

Partner Point(s) of Contact: n/a

Type of Innovation: New Service

Date Implemented: June 2018