4 Ways to Bring Fun into Your Workplace

Almost every company recognizes the importance of keeping employees happy in order to succeed. However, we rarely associate fun with being successful at work or in business.

We often think of “fun” as something that happens after office hours. This is because society has conditioned us to fear that having fun could discredit our reputation and work ethic. A study reveals that incorporating fun at work increases employee retention, although it is sometimes thought of as a distraction from daily tasks and projects. 

Fun belongs in the workplace. It boosts employee engagement, creativity and purpose. When people enjoy what they’re doing, they associate positive feelings and emotions with the space and people they’re interacting with. Having fun also encourages collaboration and improves communication.

As a leader, you can set the tone for your team. Here are 4 ways you can make work more enjoyable for you and your people:

Celebrate Small Wins

Recognizing small wins sparks joy in our brains and releases hormones that give us feelings of reward and pride, pushing us forward to work on achieving our next goal. Happy hormones are good for business and keep your people motivated, energized and efficient.

If you have a big project, break it down into smaller tasks and set achievable goals that will signify your team’s progress in the short term. Smaller goals can be attained regularly, so they tend to have a positive impact on workplace culture. Checking off smaller tasks and celebrating small wins are fun and build momentum. 

To celebrate small wins on a daily basis, create a “Kudos” channel in a team chat app where everyone can commend and praise each other for a job well done.

If you are a solopreneur, find an accountability partner with whom you can do weekly check-ins and share/celebrate your small wins. 

Streamline Processes and Reduce Work Stressors

You cannot expect people to have fun if they are feeling stressed and exhausted at work. This is why it’s important to find ways to reduce, if not eliminate, the unnecessary un-fun things that drain your employees’ time, energy and motivation.

Ask your people about how you can improve their daily work experience and support their well-being. Create a safe space where your people can connect with you and openly communicate their concerns at work. 

Catching these problems as early as possible will be best for your team in the long run. It will also cultivate a culture of caring, where your people feel comfortable coming to you for advice about their stressors.

Try a Change of Scenery 

One of the perks of having more flexibility at work is varying your physical location. A change of scenery can make your job feel fresher. If you are managing a remote team, encourage them to do the same. You don’t necessarily have to drive out of town: You can simply go anywhere nearby that is conducive to working—at a coffee shop, library, park or museum, to name a few.

A change of scenery can be restorative, boost your productivity and spark inspiration. If you have no time to go somewhere, you can go for a ten-minute walk outside to stretch out and breathe in some fresh air. 

As a team, you can also go out together. Work outings or off-site events are a fun way to bond with each other while building rapport and morale.  You can have lunch together at a nearby restaurant, organize a bowling event, host a karaoke night… the list goes on. Work outings give employees a change of scenery and something to be excited about.

Cultivate a Caring Culture

Glassdoor’s Mission & Culture Survey in 2019 reveals that over 77% of adults across the United States, France, Germany and the UK consider a company’s culture before applying for a job there. A caring company culture not only attracts great talent, but also helps keep them

What makes people enjoy working at a company doesn’t come down to the presence of pool tables or an unlimited supply of coffee and candies in the office: It has more to do with creating a caring culture. People enjoy working at a company where they feel appreciated and valued. An organization with a strong culture that puts its people first produces happy employees.

Remember…

Enjoyment leads to engagement. When you and your people are engaged in what you do, you are more likely to be motivated and stay committed to your company. When we are committed, we are more successful in achieving our goals.  There are many ways to achieve success, but the best way to do it is to enjoy the journey.

In love and respect,

Hilary Corna

 

Hilary Corna

Bestselling Author, Keynote Speaker, Podcast Host, Founder of the Human Way ™...

Hilary’s favorite title is HUMAN.

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