20 Ways to Have More Fun at Work
How important is fun at work? It can be the difference between an engaged staff that does its best or a fear-based culture that creates subversion. And that’s why having fun at work is crucial.
Have you ever had a job you dreaded? One where you hated getting up in the morning? A job where you were angry or depressed your entire commute? When you were in that situation, did you always deliver in the workplace? Did you go above and beyond? Or did you get by treading water while you watched the clock drag slowly on? Were you not having any fun at work?
Don’t misunderstand fun at work. Sometimes it does involve a little goofing off time, but you can make getting the job done fun.
20 Ways to Have More Fun at Work
Start a Fun Committee
At Berger Hargis, we have a fun committee that plans fun events for the BH team. We met last month over breakfast and discussed fun things to do for November and December, including a chili cook-off!
Give Recognition
People like being appreciated. At Berger Hargis, we have an employee of the month that we highlight in our newsletter and on the bulletin board.
Share a Sense of Accomplish
Human beings like to know what they do matters. Celebrate job completions with the entire team. Let people know how important they and what they do are to the organization.
Remember Employment Anniversaries
Add employ anniversaries to your monthly newsletter. Create a certificate for employees on their anniversary date.
Share a Quote of the Day
Share a quote of the day in person or by email with the team.
Decorate
Allow employees to decorate their work areas.
Let’s Play Ball
I worked with a company that held an annual basketball tourney. Many companies participate in golf outings.
Put up a Humor Board
Place a board in the breakroom where teammates can share appropriate cartoons and other pieces of humor.
Make a Wall of Fame
Give employees a place to brag about accomplishments at work and outside of work.
For Whom the Bell Tolls
I worked in a call center where they rang a large brass bell when an employee did something good. One team member brought in a full-size gong! It was awesome and fun.
Toy Around with it
I know a video production company that plays with toys! I once was involved in a Nerf gun battle in their office. It was a war where everyone won because it was fun. They have a production progress board made of, wait for it, Legos.
Pitch In
At Berger Hargis, we have pitch in’s, cook-offs, and company-sponsored lunches.
Get well
Form a Wellness Committee to organize and promote walks, weight loss challenges, or a smoking cessation initiative. Once a month, visit every department with a snack of the month and share what’s new.
Volunteer
Berger Hargis has donated and volunteered with local charities. Your business can sponsor food drives, volunteer at an animal shelter, start a blood drive, or a holiday toy drive.
Write a Positive Note
It’s that simple. Write a handwritten note and set it at a co-worker’s workstation. Your teammate will smile, and isn’t that fun?
Send a Thank You Card
When’s the last time you received a handwritten thank you card? Did it mean something to you? Did you keep the card? I keep mine.
Sing Happy Birthday
Better yet, bring a cake and candles, and then sing.
Celebrate Holidays
Decorate offices, play holiday music, and even have an ugly Christmas sweater contest.
Start a Thank You Day
It’s not complicated; all you have to do is gather a few employees and ask them to commit to saying thank you every chance they get, and then pay it forward.
Is Your Work Fun?
Do you have a fun time and get the job done at your place of business, or is it a place of dread? If your workplace isn’t at the level of funness (yes, that’s a new word—I think), then what are you going to do about it? There are twenty, count ’em, fun actions listed in this post that you can take! So, what are you waiting for, pick one a have some fun!
How Can We Help You?
Berger Hargis has a company philosophy of providing personal excellence for all our services. Our growth and success have been due entirely to our commitment to honest, excellent customer service. The company has been built on the referral business we have received due to this philosophy.
If we can answer any questions, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
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