“Where people aren’t having any fun, they seldom produce good work.” – David Ogilvy, founder of Ogilvy & Mather, known as the “Father of Advertising”.

Why is having fun at work important?

When employees are happy, they are more likely to take their jobs seriously and perform better. Having fun at work means more than just playing games or laughing; it also involves creating an atmosphere where workers feel appreciated, involved, and inspired. In addition to reducing stress and promoting creativity, an enjoyable workplace also strengthens the relationships between coworkers.

Let’s Have Some Fun in 7 Easy Steps!

1. Humor + Gamification

Eight hours of hard work is sometimes inevitable, but other times it can be tedious and stressful. Humor is a great addition to everyday activities. Encourage light-hearted interactions and create opportunities for employees to enjoy themselves.

Gamification is another effective strategy; turning work tasks into games or competitions can make them more engaging and enjoyable. Take office treasure hunts, for example – they are ROITI’s (not-so) secret weapon, and people get excited by the challenge they bring.

2. Leadership Sets the Tone

Leadership is critical in setting the tone for a fun work environment. Team leads should model positive behaviors, show enthusiasm, and participate in fun activities. When employees see their leaders valuing and participating in fun, they are more likely to follow.

3. Fun Activities

Organize regular team-building events and office fun. This can include games, movie nights, or themed office setups. These activities provide a break from routine work and help build stronger team connections. Ensure these activities are inclusive, diverse, and suitable for your team. Some fun event ideas include hikes or runs, interactive advent calendars, board game evenings, movie nights, and every once in a while, clubbing after work.

4. Creativity

Encourage and celebrate creativity within the workplace. Create spaces where employees can brainstorm and share ideas freely. This could be through dedicated creative sessions, suggestion boxes, or innovation hubs. Recognizing and implementing creative ideas reinforces their value and encourages ongoing innovation

5. Recognize and Celebrate

Recognize and celebrate employees’ achievements and milestones. According to Vantage Circle, approximately 82% of employees feel more engaged when their contributions are recognized. When leaders get involved in and support recognition programs, they can greatly improve both morale and engagement among employees.

This can be achieved through awards, shout-outs in meetings, or special celebrations. Acknowledging hard work and accomplishments boosts morale and shows employees their efforts are appreciated. For instance, ROITI recently launched a loyalty program: those who have stayed at the company for certain years, receive recognition packages. The more years people achieve, the more personalized their gifts are. This culture encourages commitment and celebrates hard work.

6. Fun and Professionalism: The Balance

Speaking of fun, here’s the place to underline the importance of a good balance with professionalism. Ensure that fun activities do not interfere with work responsibilities or productivity. Establish clear guidelines to maintain professionalism while still fostering an enjoyable work environment.

7. Feedback and Participation

Encourage feedback and participation from employees regarding fun activities and workplace culture. This can be through surveys, suggestion boxes, or regular check-ins. Listening to employees’ input ensures that the fun activities are relevant and appreciated, and it shows that their opinions matter. At ROITI, we strive to gather feedback as much as possible: after onboarding, after team buildings, and even after a casual get-together in the office.

Another key success factor is motivating not only dedicated organizers but also other employees to take part in company activities. It always helps to have an enthusiast who is passionate about a particular activity. For example, at ROITI, we have a couple of excellent runners. By encouraging them to organize a group run, the company not only allows them to take the lead but also spreads their enthusiasm to others.

Conclusion

Creating a fun work environment is not just about adding games or social events; it’s about cultivating a culture where employees feel valued, engaged, and motivated. By focusing on the factors that contribute to a fun work environment and implementing strategies to promote it, organizations can enhance employee satisfaction, boost productivity, and foster a positive workplace culture. Remember, a happy team is a productive team, and incorporating fun into the workplace is a key step in achieving this.

Author: Hristina Tankovska