From November 10-14, organizations worldwide will observe World Quality Week 2025, hosted by the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) and the International Register of Certificated Auditors (IRCA). This year’s theme—“Quality: think differently”—urges teams to look beyond checklists and audits and reimagine quality as a mindset that drives innovation, collaboration, and trust.
In lab environments, where precision and reproducibility define success, the message resonates closely. Laboratory quality management isn’t only about passing an inspection or renewing accreditation. It’s about fostering a shared culture where scientists, technicians, and managers continuously ask: Can we do this better?
Why this theme matters for lab operations
Every lab manager knows the tension between speed and rigor, budgets and compliance. “Thinking differently” is a reminder that quality doesn’t have to slow you down—it can actually streamline operations and uncover smarter ways to work.
For example:
- Data integrity: Reassessing your documentation and review practices may reveal new ways to automate error checks or simplify digital workflows
- Equipment management: Viewing maintenance through a quality lens can reduce downtime and extend asset life—critical as supply chains remain tight
- People engagement: When staff understand why quality matters, not just how, they’re more likely to speak up about risks, suggest improvements, and take ownership of outcomes
Ultimately, quality is a leadership function. The best lab managers don’t just enforce policies—they create environments where quality becomes everyone’s job.
How to celebrate World Quality Week in your lab
Use the week as a catalyst for conversation and improvement. A few easy ideas:
- Run a “think differently” challenge: Ask each team member to share one idea that could simplify, automate, or enhance a process in your lab
- Spotlight unsung quality heroes: Recognize technicians or analysts whose attention to detail quietly prevents errors
- Hold a quality huddle: Dedicate one daily stand-up to discussing lessons learned from recent near-misses or audits—and what’s changing because of them
- Visualize success: Create a whiteboard or digital wall showing the team’s quality goals, metrics, or ongoing improvements
- Join the conversation: Follow the campaign hashtag #WQW25 to share your ideas with other lab professionals globally
Even small gestures can reignite a sense of ownership and pride around doing things right—the first time, every time.
Keep the momentum going
World Quality Week may last five days, but its principles should extend year-round. Lab leaders looking to build sustainable excellence can take advantage of Lab Manager Academy’s Lab Quality Management Certificate, which will equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to implement and manage quality systems that ensure compliance, continuous improvement, and operational excellence in your lab.
You can also register for Lab Manager’s upcoming Quality & Compliance Digital Summit. This free-to-attend event is taking place on December 9, 2025, and will feature expert talks on laboratory accreditation, process validation, and leadership strategies that strengthen quality culture.
World Quality Week 2025 isn’t about celebration—it’s about reflection. Use it to challenge assumptions, empower your team, and embed quality as the foundation for every experiment, result, and decision your lab makes.
This article was created with the assistance of Generative AI and has undergone editorial review before publishing.
