Lab Week Ideas: 2025 Edition

Lab week is once again upon us. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or new to the field, it's time to show (and receive) appreciation for the work that gets done behind the scenes. The doctors and nurses get all the attention, so let's get some glory for one week!

Nobody likes a dud lab week. If you're a lab manager, try to provide something that's actually fun. If it's a gift, it should be nice. If it's a party, get actual good food. Don't skimp. Nobody wants a rock or a pencil.

When is it this year? April 20th to 26th for 2025.

"Pizzaaaaaaaa"

Theme-Based Dress-Up Days

Encourage staff to participate in daily dress-up themes, such as "Crazy Sock Day," "Lab Coat Customization Day," or "Favorite Science Fiction Character Day." This adds fun and personality to the work environment. You can also buy accessories for dress up. And if you want people to dress up, you better do it too!

Lab Olympics

Organize friendly competitions involving pipette accuracy challenges, speed plate streaking, or centrifuge balancing contests. Winners can receive small prizes or recognition. Hallway bowling is also a perennial favorite. Or a "guess that disease" contest where they are given a case study with lab values and have to guess what the disease is.

Educational Lunch-and-Learn Sessions

Host short presentations on emerging trends in laboratory science, quality control, or safety practices. Invite guest speakers or senior technologists to share their expertise while providing lunch for attendees. Remember, this is also a chance to let others in on what the lab does, so invite other hospital staff such as nursing.

Behind-the-Scenes Lab Tours

Arrange guided tours for hospital staff, administrators, or students to showcase the vital role of the medical laboratory in patient care. Highlight different sections of the lab and explain the significance of various tests. Introduce them to people who work the bench and let them sit in on microbiology plate work-up or hematology slide reading (double scopes are very useful here). Maybe steer clear of ova and parasite reading.

Lab-Themed Trivia and Games

Create a trivia contest with questions related to laboratory science, medical technology, or famous scientists. Crossword puzzles or scavenger hunts related to lab equipment and procedures can also add an element of fun.

Appreciation Wall

Set up a wall or bulletin board where colleagues and hospital staff can post notes of appreciation for lab professionals. Recognizing individual achievements and teamwork can boost morale and foster a sense of pride. This get to the heart of what many lab workers feel is missing: recognition. Make sure to place this in a prominent place in the hospital, even a place where patients can see it.

"That's me on that lab appreciation wall!"

Themed Potluck or Catered Meal

Host a lab-themed potluck or coordinate with hospital administration to provide a catered meal. Encourage staff to bring creative dishes with names like "Plasma Punch" or "Bacteria Bites" to add a humorous touch. Please pay for a decent meal from a good local place. If you don't give them something better than their sack lunches, you didn't win lab week. And be sure to provide for all shifts.

Recognition and Awards Ceremony

The lab's answer to the Dundies. Acknowledge outstanding team members with certificates or small gifts. Categories such as "Most Accurate Pipettor," "Best Team Player," or "Lab MVP" can make the event engaging and meaningful. If only to get people off the bench for a moment of relaxation and recognition, this can work wonders for overworked staff.

Jim looks askance at the camera.

Community Outreach and STEM Promotion

Engage with local schools or community groups by organizing science demonstrations, career talks, or donation drives for science education. Encouraging interest in laboratory science can inspire the next generation of professionals.

Now get to work. These laboratorians aren't going to appreciate themselves!