29 Jul The role of FUN at work!
In my latest book, “Lost & Found”, I write a lot about accepting the many seeming dichotomies and incongruities in life.
It’s often, for example, when we feel lost that we can find ourselves and at the same time, find opportunities we’d never expected. It’s in fear and anxiety that we can sometimes find joy and exhilaration (has anyone been skydiving?). It’s in sitting with and accepting distress, that we can find a deeper form of happiness and contentment.
Well, this same notion can be applied in the workplace when it comes to fun and play.
I don’t think anyone would argue that every minute of every day, in every office or workplace should be laughter and games. We all have responsibilities, and we all have a degree of drudgery to our jobs.
At the same time, however, the research findings are very clear. Those workplaces that allow for appropriate fun and play are the same workplaces in which there’s a higher degree of engagement and satisfaction. Happiness at work is inspiring and motivating!
So how can you have fun at work?
– One of the simplest ways is to celebrate successes and wins, as well as birthdays and other landmark dates
– Establish traditions of games and competitions
– Use music and/or mealtimes (pot lunch anyone?)
– Organise regular social events (outside the office environment)
– Set up communications channels where people can share what they’re enjoying, from books and music to health and wellbeing challenges to what they’re grateful for
– Have fancy dress days and … there are so many ways we can all bring fun to our work in our own way so have some fun coming up with your own ideas!
What do you think? How have you seen teams and workplaces effectively and appropriately create fun at work?