How to Have Fun at Work
Berger Hargis knows how to have fun at work. A couple of weeks ago, I sat in on a committee meeting at Berger Hargis. Five members of the leadership team formed the committee. It was the fun committee. Their task was to plan fun events for all of the staff. They talked about cookouts, picnics, and racing pools. I loved it. They get it. Having fun at work is essential.
Have Fun Getting the Job Done
Workplace fun can be about “getting it done.” Remember in school when you didn’t study for that exam because you did something “FUN” instead? The next day, with an upset stomach and sweaty palms, you tried to fake your way through the test. When you got the grade, it wasn’t very good. Remember that? How fun was it?
We Homo Sapiens need to complete tasks and then bask in the glow of accomplishment. Because when we succeed, we feel better about ourselves, and it’s certainly more fun.
You don’t have to play to have fun at work, but you can. Throw a Frisbee, play a joke, and socialize a little. However, you can make the work itself play. When you make work fun, it energizes the team, produces endorphins, and stimulates production.
Why Should Management Care about Fun at Work?
You will accomplish more over the long term in an environment of fun and positive attitudes.
Increased productivity
Lowered absenteeism
Decreased downtime
Improved job satisfaction leading to employee retention
How to Have Fun at Work
Pass Out The Accolades
Recognize achievement, activities, and character. Give recognition to the team, as well. Write a thank-you note or send an encouraging email. There was a company function where I recognized a teammate’s dependability. His wife called and thanked me. She knew he was dependable, yet no one had ever recognized him for it. Tell me that wasn’t fun.
Do not limit the recognition to results. Because sometimes, recognizing positive activities that do not directly lead to the desired results is more meaningful.
Involve Everyone, Make Them Part Of The Team
Be the best teammate you can be. You don’t have to be best friends, but you should be an understanding teammate. Listen without prejudice, accept idiosyncrasies, solicit ideas, and ask for help. Be a teammate or boss people can talk to. Be someone who will listen with an open mind.
Relish & Share the Feeling of Accomplishment When Tasks Are Completed
Once a task has been effectively completed on deadline, bring in lunch, eat cake, buy the beer after work – just have fun. Always congratulate completed tasks, regardless of how small.
Create Fun Competition Between Teammates and Teams
Hold a production contest, and the top producer wins. You don’t need expensive prizes to have fun. The prize can be a certificate created online, lunch with the boss, or an hour off with pay. Find out what motivates the team, and use it.
Give Your Team Direction
Let your team know what they need to do, CAD (Commit-Assign-Deadline). Commit to a goal, assign activities to a team, and set a deadline. Believe it or not, giving direction will make your team more satisfied, especially when they achieve the goal via their actions and their accomplishments are recognized.
What If You’re Not In A Position To Get The Fun Started?
If you’re not the leader, share your fun ideas with the leader. If you offer to help, plan, and organize the activities, you may be surprised.
Are you and your team having fun at work? Is it time to form a fun committee?
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 about how to control grubs, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us.
And if your looking for a career where you can have fun at work, give us a call at (317) 243-0100.
About the Author
Randy Clark is a speaker, coach, and author. He publishes a weekly blog at Randy Clark Leadership.com. Randy is passionate about social media, leadership development, and flower gardening. He’s a beer geek, and on weekends (after COVID-19), he can be found fronting the Rock & Roll band Under the Radar. He’s the proud father of two educators; he has four amazing grandchildren and a wife who dedicates her time to helping others. Randy is the author of the Amazon bestseller The New Manager’s Workbook, a crash course in effective management.
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