By Chuck Cusumano and Jillian Broaddus
We know – the past few months haven’t probably been full of “fun” or “celebration.” This holds true especially at work, where most employees haven’t been able to physically go into the office or convene for camaraderie outside of it!
However, we will get back to normal. The water cooler chats will continue. The fun will resume. And now, more than ever, is a good time to offer a reminder that having fun at work isn’t just beneficial; it’s critical.
For many of us, “work” isn’t exactly synonymous with “fun.” In fact, they’re usually positioned on opposite ends of the spectrum. However, incorporating fun into the workplace is both achievable, and correlated with numerous benefits: fewer sick days, higher engagement, and increased productivity, to name a few.
Here are some of our best tips:
Have contests: People love to be competitive and keep score – whether it be in an office trivia league, an intramural team, a ping-pong table in the breakroom, a competition related to your sales goals, or any contest of your choosing! Be creative during social distancing – host a trivia night or virtual contest!
Celebrate often: Display a calendar that lists everything to celebrate: birthdays, work anniversary dates, and accomplishments of your organizational goals. Then, throw a party – and don’t forget the cake!
Take it outside: 71% of millennial employees want their coworkers to feel like a second family. The easiest way to do this? Organize office happy hours, employee appreciation concerts, family-included picnics, or anything else that is optional and can encourage employees to get to know one another better as people – not just as coworkers.
Make meetings fun: A U.K. study found that productivity increased by as much as 20% after viewing a comedy clip and enjoying snacks and drinks. Can you incorporate these things into the start of your next PowerPoint?
So, go have fun – virtually and whenever we are able to congregate together!
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