Play ball! USS hits the diamond for some sun and softball fun

University Support Services (USS) needed a cure for the summertime blues – a season marked by longing looks out office windows (in short supply for USS staff in their current locations).

Their solution, the brainchild of USS administrative assistant Alijana Kahriman, was a softball game pitting Park Building staff against those in the Student Services Building – Park vs. SSB. It was a barn-burner. Final score: SSB 12, Park 11. The teams celebrated with a post-game lunch from Jimmy John's.

"We try to do an employee morale event every two to three months,” Kahriman said. “I thought that a softball game would be a fun way to get us out of the basement and into some sunlight. And as softball requires teamwork, I figured that it would be an exciting way to get employees to interact and work with each other outside of our normal work environment."

Many USS employees also take part in the annual UIT/ITS Golf Tournament, scheduled this year for September 8. Golf and softball have gained popularity in the work world as employers place greater emphasis on employee wellness, morale and productivity. Not only do healthy employees cost less and sporting events send a message that the organization values fun and camaraderie.

"We wanted to do something different for employee morale," Kahriman said. "Softball was an idea that came up and we went for it."

See photos of the game below.

Photo credit: Alijana Kahriman

 

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