Where Did The WIWO Room Go?

This guest entry was written by Jay Fiorello, one of Ovation’s very talented Practice Leaders.

Have I really been at Ovation for seven years? Am I really turning forty in a week? Do I really feel the most physically fit that I’ve felt in my entire tenure at Ovation?

You bet it’s true. I’ve seen an amazing culture transformation at Ovation over the years. We have always been young and energetic, which has brought us a lot of success. We have amassed a wealth of experience, but as we look to the future we must rise to the challenge of battling aging and illness. We must stay physically healthy so this knowledge is not wasted or lost.

Jay Fiorello, Practice Leader for Ovation

It all started with the WIWO room, or the “What’s In What’s Out” room. WIWO is an old term aimed at promoting culture change around our natural tendency to stick to the old ways. Rather, it encouraged us to embrace change and break out of our old habits. We created a WIWO room at Ovation that had couches, stress relievers and games…it was a place to unwind and relieve stress. The WIWO room was the start of a culture shift that focused on work/life balance. Ever since then, the Ovation culture has transformed into something very unique. This brings me to a couple of days ago, which was one of my proudest days as an Ovationite. For me, that day signified that we are poised mentally and physically for the challenges that lay ahead.

I know there were many people acting individually by following their own physical training program or finding time in their busy schedule to get in a run. I know there were others unable to meet their training goals, as they had responsibilities to clients and family. The reason I am writing this post is to recognize that at 4pm on Tuesday, two separate sets of employees participated in physically intense workouts that were truly employee- generated. No Wellness Committee, Wellness and Health Incentive Program, or major corporate sponsorship. It was a workplace culture that has transcended over the last seven years to support each other in staying physically fit.

Seven of us participated in “Boot Camp,” an employee-driven fitness program, right here in one of Ovation’s conference rooms. We received some great post-class responses that ranged all the way from “awesome!” to “exhausting!” There was a sweeping sense of enjoyment from bringing our workouts to a whole new level of intensity, and we are looking forward to the next challenge.

Another eight of us went running all throughout the Batterson Park area and even into parts of New Britain (yes, we admit to getting a little off course). Our post-run commentary was very positive as well; we enjoyed the great weather, had fun as a group, and some of us were even able to exceed our own expectations.

Anyone staying physically fit knows how personally rewarding it can be, but participating as a group brings the motivation and rewards to a whole new level.

Kudos to Loranna for her persistence in getting the participation necessary keep “Boot Camp” running, to John for putting together a group run, and to Steve, our newest member, for just getting out there and making it happen.

As for the WIWO room, well it no longer exists. Its purpose was to inspire us to break out of the habit of sticking to old ways and embracing change. Our current Ovation culture reflects that change, which is why we no longer need the WIWO room. It too has transcended its original purpose.

Get out there,

Jay