As the workforce evolves, we hear more and more about companies incorporating fun, games, and leisure into the office. The benefits of having fun at work are numerous, and research shows that taking time to plan activities in the workplace may even increase productivity! A study called It Pays to Play, commissioned by BrightHR, found that companies that dedicate time for fun at work saw reduced absenteeism, a more positive and energized workforce, and instilled greater sense of community and teambuilding among staff.
But with companies like Google sporting on-site bowling alleys, Amazon’s full-service spas, and the emerging trend among tech companies offering unlimited paid vacation, it can feel as though smaller companies have no way to keep up. However, having fun at work doesn’t have to be nearly as expensive or time-consuming to deliver the benefits of an enjoyable workplace. Take a few plays from the Academy Handbook and get your team animated with some of our tried and true tips for fun in the office!
No Time? No Problem
Incorporating fun at work doesn’t need to come at the expense of a productive workday. At the Academy we send out riddles for staff to answer for prizes and have an annual Halloween Costume Contest held at the office (check out our Facebook page for pictures). We are also known to throw lunchtime potlucks, hold hallway hula-hoop contests, or wrap up the final 15 minutes of the day with a riveting game of “pantyhose bowling” (seriously, look it up!) These activities don’t take more time than your average lunch break, but encourage bonding through shared experiences and laughs that long outlast the workday.
What Day is it?
No need to wait for a big holiday to have a themed celebration, there are literally hundreds of practically unheard of national and international holidays ranging from “Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day” to “Dress Up your Pet Day.” Here at the Academy, we observed “National Batman Day” on September 17th by surprising staff with Batman masks which we wore for our meetings and throughout the day. We even incorporated off-site staff by mailing them masks of their own. These unconventional holidays make for endless opportunities to blend in fun at work, check out nationaltoday.com to see what wacky days you can celebrate at your office.
Get Staff Involved
Running a business is a lot of work, and brainstorming fun office activities can fall to the wayside. Enlist the troops by forming an “Office Pep” club made up of a couple of staff Members who can meet every couple of weeks to plan for fun. Other ways to implement ideas can include scheduling specific departments to plan an activity for the office, or have staff volunteer their ideas via email or sign-up list. Not only will this create a sense of ownership, but it ensures an environment open to new concepts.
Regardless of the size or nature of your business, nothing helps create a successful company like having a positive and motivated team. By taking the time to plan fun activities within your office, you will be promoting cohesion and communication while creating an environment that people want to work in!
Chloe Slovinsky
Projects and Events Coordinator
American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.
9444 Balboa Avenue, Suite 300
San Diego, California 92123
Phone: (858) 453-2128
www.aaepa.com
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