Work is supposed to be a serious and professional environment at all times, right? Wrong, and that’s been proven! Many studies over the past few decades have invalidated this belief. For example, a 2015 study from the University of Warwick found that happy employees had a 12% spike in productivity while unhappy workers were 10% less productive. A fun workplace not only leads to happier and more productive employees, but also:
- Enhanced motivation
- Reduced stress
- Improved task performance
- Lower levels of absenteeism
- Increased employee loyalty
- Great job satisfaction
How do you make your workplace fun?
Here at Hybridge, we have a wide range of clients in the Bay Area so we see a variety of tech and corporate cultures and offices. This means we see many different definitions of a “fun” workplace—from allowing flip-flops and shorts to even having personal masseuse. Although the San Francisco Bay Area and tech startups are known for their more casual and fun work environments, not every office does or can implement the same activities. Finding the right activities for your office takes time because you need to choose what’s right for your employees and company. Here are some ideas on what you can do:
- Super Casual Fridays – The stereotypical “casual Friday” includes wearing jeans to work and not worrying about “business formal.” However, that doesn’t apply to most offices in the Bay Area since jeans and “business casual” is already acceptable. Take the casual a step further by creating theme Fridays where everyone wears their favorite band t-shirt or an old college t-shirt. Casual Friday can also include allowing your office to leave early and go to the local happy hour together.
- Friendly Competition - Creating a weekly or monthly competition in the office with a fun prize lightens the mood. The competition doesn’t always have to be work related. For example, have a video game competition during lunch one day. Or pose a riddle to your employees once a week and whoever answers it right first gets free Starbucks the next morning.
- Decorate your office – Changing the way your office looks may also help create a fun environment. Add a Wall of Fame with awards and clippings of your company’s success. Create personal touches by adding office awards such as “The Caffeine Addict Award” for that person that’s always drinking coffee or a “Punny Award” for the person who makes the best puns. Another idea is a humor bulletin board where employees can add their favorite comics, memes, and jokes throughout the week.
- Team outings - Once a month, go do something different with your team such as bowling or go-kart racing. This not only helps your team bond, but also get out of the office and do something they normally wouldn’t do together.
- ASK - Most importantly, ask your team and office what they think will create a fun environment. If you don’t already have one, maybe you should create a game area that includes bean bag chairs and a pool table for people to relax at during their break. Or your office might just want to go to a trivia night at the local bar every other week. Whatever it is, be open to suggestions and feedback from your office. Maybe even form a “fun committee” that is in charge of creating different activities for the office.
These are just a few of the many suggestions and ways to create a fun work environment. Adjusting your company culture to include fun in the workplace can be tough, but the return is worth it. Working in a fun environment leads to better productivity, work satisfaction, and overall happiness and enjoyment. Most people spend at least one-third of their adult lives at work. Make sure to enjoy it!
