Invest in Workplace Fun and Everyone Enjoys the Returns

Who doesn’t want to have fun?

Okay, maybe Scrooge, but even he came around after a while. Most people want to enjoy themselves whether at home, at work or during activities. Having fun and enjoyment gives us a feeling of contentment. In short, it makes us happy.

Robin Seidman specializes in general HR policy and procedures. rseidman@ccahv.com

A savvy employer knows that a fun workplace is a productive workplace, with employees committed to a job because they enjoy their work. They look forward to coming to the office and interacting with their colleagues and clients. They laugh, they joke around yet they get their job done. It is a win-win for all.

The key is to balance the fun factor with the work factor. An employer doesn’t want a circus in the office and frankly, that type of atmosphere makes it hard to concentrate. Instead, a variety of activities designed to make the workforce a cohesive partner in your business can work wonders to boost retention and productivity.

Small activities more often can trump one big employee event a year, such as the holiday party. Here are some ways to enhance employee morale:

Free

Casual Fridays

Let your folks dress down for the day. If you already have a business casual dress code, allow jeans, tee shirts, sneakers. Put some rules around it: No torn jeans, clean sneakers, no tees with offensive messages or graphics, including religious, political, sexual or ethnic content.

If you have company-branded attire — i.e. tee shirts, sweatshirts or button downs with your logo — make sure each team member has one to wear.

Employee of the Month

Reward outstanding efforts and performance with a certificate and post their picture on your “Super Star” wall. It’s even better if the wall is in a customer viewing area. Throw in a preferred parking spot.

PotLuck Lunches

Many employees will gladly contribute their specialty dish to a potluck lunch. For those who don’t cook, invite them to bring soda, juice, chips or cookies.

Some Expense

Taco Tuesdays, Pizza

Thursdays, Bagel Fridays

Food is a great motivator. Pick a day each month to treat the staff to lunch.

Grill Days

Bring a portable grill to the office on a warm day and cook up some burgers and hot dogs for the team. Make sure to include veggie burgers for those who don’t eat meat.

Ice Cream Socials

We all crave ice cream during the dog days of summer. Bring in frozen treats for the staff.

More Costly But Worth It

Time off

On a rotating basis, let employees leave early on Fridays in the summer. You will be paying for time not worked, but in the long run it translates to a loyal team member. It doesn’t even have to be a half day. A two- or three-hour early dismissal jumpstarts the weekend and puts a smile on their face when they walk out the door.

Family Picnic

Frequently, the spouse and family are disconnected from the employee’s work life. A picnic gives families a chance to mingle with the worker’s colleagues and management. A local park is a great venue. Include activities like a softball game, corn hole, volleyball and a kids’ coloring contest.

Holiday Party

Celebrate with your staff. It can be in the office or offsite but if offsite, include the spouses. Mocktails, appetizers and seasonal desserts are always winners. To avoid religious conflicts, consider a Thanksgiving or end-of-year celebration.

Annual Recognition Reception

This can be a dinner, a lunch or even a brunch. It’s great to recognize the company’s achievements while saluting the efforts of the staff. An Employee of the Year will work twice as hard next year! You can designate categories for awards, such as Top Sales, Perfect Attendance, Most Customer Compliments, and 1, 5, 10, 20-year Employees. A certificate and a gift wraps up the recognition and you decide what makes sense for your business. (Remember to check with your accountant to determine any tax implications of gifts for both the company and the employee.)

These are just a few ideas and there are plenty more on the internet. Find out what your employees would like. You can even designate an employee as the Fun Ambassador. The goal is to make your work environment a model for your profession so you can retain top employees and attract new talent.

Fun can cost as much or as little as you want, but the benefits you will reap will make your efforts priceless.