The workplace is viewed as an intense and driven environment that continuously strives to increase production while enhancing efficiencies. Push, push, push is the motto, and employees are the engine to drive success and navigate wins for any organization. All too often, however, we have all witnessed burnout, decreased teamwork, and declining morale as employees feel unenergized, isolated, and unhappy with little attention to employee mental welfare.
Employees are complex and come with differing needs in the workplace, while also being preoccupied with personal situations from home. Infusing a little fun into the workplace not only gives a temporary distraction, but allows a breather to recharge. Employers can forget the benefits of simple gestures that create special moments among employees that revitalize their energy and loyalty to the business.
Bob Nelson in his 2020 article in Harvard Business Review called, Why Work Should Be Fun, mentions in his shared research that companies ranked as great found 81 percent of employees had listed their work environment as fun. An employee who feels they have an employer who is concerned for their mental welfare is going to feel much differently about the employee and employer relationship along with their impression of the organization.
Fun Ideas:
- award ceremonies that congratulate achievements
- meetings that celebrate employee Kudo
- employee events like attending a baseball game or going bowling
- ice cream socials
- coffee and donuts
- joke of the day in team chats
- sharing old childhood photos during meetings
All are among a few actions to usher in a brief bit of fun into a stressful workday. And of course, there are potlucks which are one of the simplest ways to pull people together creating chatter and teamwork in both coordination and execution – who does not enjoy getting the chance to try different dishes and catch up with teammates?
I recall a recent event we had during a Christmas party that involved a white elephant gift exchange with an emcee and assistant who spun a wheel for participants. Employees, managers, and owners all participated while bantering back and forth during the event, resulting in bursts of laughter and even a little competitiveness to get the best gift. Moments like these are what bring everyone together while creating bonds and memories beyond the normal work-to-five grind.
Who said work can’t be fun? American Psychologist, Abraham Maslow said, “Almost all creativity involves purposeful play,” which suggests that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs goes into a major deep dive into the needs and motivations of people, but simply put – people need fun to remain energized, engaged, happy, and creative, which promotes their growth and contributes to an organization! Fun, thus, is a catalyst for success, and employers who recognize this important fact while encouraging it in the work environment, can find a positively charged workforce contributing to the success of their employer.
Darrel Brown is Sr. Manager at ConceptHR utilizing HR, Benefits, Payroll, and Timekeeping experience guiding team members and clients toward success. He is a SHRM-CP with an MBA in Human Resources Management. His background extends into various levels of customer care, technical assistance, and troubleshooting in multiple industries such as HR, telecommunications, and transportation.
Known for being motivated and proactive while peppering a little fun into the workplace, he is always looking for the next project to complete and continuously working to ensure his team is energized and clients are receiving great care with a smile.
He enjoys travel, sharing a few laughs, time with family, and the ongoing projects that seem to arise constantly at home.
