Having fun at work is not only about taking pleasure in what you do, but also about having a good time with your co-workers in a non-work-related manner. There?s little point in working if you don't enjoy yourself. You may have bills to pay and don't want to lose your job, but infusing work with a sense of fun doesn't jeopardize performance; it actually enhances it.
When employees have fun in the workplace, they accomplish more, show a higher level of creativity and extend more help to co-workers, according to a 2008 University of Florida study. Happy employees also tend to be more loyal. With a fun work environment turnover decreases because employees feel content and loyal to the organization.
Having fun at work starts with attitude. Gaining the right perspective on your job and having the right approach are key. Approaching work with a sense of fear or dread isn't going to do you or anyone else any good. For the vast majority of people, work is not a life-or-death situation, so don't treat it as such. View challenges with a fun-loving attitude because a fun-loving attitude goes a long way in driving business success.
Implementing a fun work environment starts with you, the owner. You set the tone, each and every day as well as overall. If you're tense, irritable or have a negative outlook, you're going to bring everyone else down to your level. If you're cheerful, energetic and have a positive outlook, you're going to boost everyone else up to your level. This is particularly important first thing in the morning. Give an enthusiastic greeting and engage in a little small talk. If you set that tone right off the bat, your employees will carry it through to the rest of the day.
Start adding some fun by building employee camaraderie. If employees get to know each other on a more personal level and enjoy each other?s company, the fun will start to fall into place. Set up ways for employees to get together and converse. Have Monday morning bagels/doughnuts or Friday afternoon cookies. Once a month go bowling or mini-golfing during lunch. Whatever you do, try to do it during company hours. You might have a hard time with this one, but it can be hard to ask employees to give up their free (non-working) hours to participate in work-related social functions, even if they might be fun. Employees may be resentful. Attendance will be sparse. And the whole thing will likely be an overall disappointment.
Once employees have a good sense of each other?s personalities, start throwing some humor into the mix. Laugh and crack jokes. Play practical jokes on employees your close with (in good taste of course). You can also take occasional short breaks just to chat with employees about things that have nothing to do with work. Play music if possible. Celebrate birthdays. Throw holiday parties. Do whatever you can to make going to work a fun and enjoyable time for everyone.
