There is always a difference of opinion when it comes to having fun at work. There are plenty of studies that state having fun at work has an effect on the productivity. Do any simple search on “studies on having fun at work” and you will find plenty that points toward the positives. I have had a couple of occasions where some have told me that fun should not be in the workplace.
I do want to point out that many organizations sometimes take having fun the wrong way. They normally put programs in place to force having fun. Those programs rarely work. They maybe fun at the start, but shortly afterwards everyone realizes what the programs are about.
I want to focus on the fun that really is good for the organization and the team members themselves. Everything centers on focusing on the work and having fun getting the work done. It should be about the work.
It is important for us as leaders to make sure that the team members understand how they contribute to making a difference for the organization. You should make your communications with the team on improvements in making a difference. Set up metric’s that the team can see how well they are doing.
Next up, your employees have stuff at work that they truly love to do. Make sure that you are giving them those opportunities. Sometimes the workload does not allow for that, but your job is when that opportunity arises, make it happen for them. If you really want to make work dull and mundane, then all you need to do is give your folks the routine and unexciting things to do. Spice it up!
Ever go into a new team and see how the team works together? People tend to work closely with those that they get along with. This is not anything new, but how do you tap into getting as many of the team working completely together with each other? It takes time building trust with each other. It means working together and having positive outcomes. It also means that if someone on the team is not pulling their weight, you as the leader have to set up and fix it.
For me, having fun at work is easy. I love what I do and will continue to make sure that I am helping my team insure that coming to work is fun for them. Sometimes we will have a laugh or two (usually at my expense). We are human beings and not machines. Sometimes someone will say or do something that is funny, why not have a laugh? Breaking down the dull work environment takes time and effort. It starts with you, first!
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