When we think about having fun, work isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Looking at the pile of documents lying on your desk and the deadline you have to meet, fun at the workplace seems almost impossible. But what you don’t know is that you can work, add a bit of fun and still remain productive in the workplace. Do you know that as per the research that Jobberman Ghana conducted on Keeping Millennials Productive in the workplace, a lot of people are more productive in a fun work environment?
Let’s take a look at what to achieve a fun and productive workplace;
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1. Encourage friendships
Socialising with coworkers can go further than after-work drinks on a Friday and the odd team-building day. For most men at the office, you can choose to unwind with video games and a few drinks. For the ladies a girls night out is a very good way to unwind after a hard day’s work.
Where as some contest the idea of forming friendships at the workplace, you can actually form meaningful relationships with colleagues whom you may share similar views and ideologies with. You will be surprised to know that the closest of friends you may find in your lifetime can be your workmate whom you share most of your days with in the workplace. Workplace friendships can also help you develop a culture of ‘compassionate love’ which research has found can lead to higher levels of satisfaction and teamwork, as well as a reduction in sick days.
2. Go Out Together
Set a date to have fun with your whole team by going for regular days and/or nights out. Going out together as a team is a great way to have fun and form relationships outside of work that could inspire collaboration back in the office.
Days out can make great team-building exercises, even if you don’t fancy the traditional ‘build a raft from drinking straws’ style team building days. Remember, socializing with your colleagues is key to forming a collaborative culture.
3. Fresh Look Equals Fresh Energy
You spend a huge proportion of your time at work so it’s important not to hate your office. If you want to enjoy being at work, a workspace that’s attractive but also conducive to productivity is ideal.
Your office is a reflection of your brand.
Decorating in accordance with your brand will help your team stay in touch with it. For example, At Jobberman Ghana our business prides itself on its simplicity, unity, and modernity to help the team feel in line with our mission. The best way to do this is to get everyone involved and decorate your office as a team.
4. Promote Peer-to-Peer Feedback
Chances are, the boss doesn’t know or understand exactly what everyone on the team does on a day-to-day basis. To make sure your team is getting the feedback they deserve, why not try to buddy your co-workers to lend a helping hand.
For instance; at Ringier One Africa Media (ROAM) all writers for the jobs brands including Jobberman Ghana, have buddied one another to review all articles before they are published for public consumption. This helps to eliminate errors which would otherwise be neglected without a second look.
5. Bring the Fun to the Workplace
Instead of giving a whole day off, what about bringing recreation to the workplace?
What if your employees can have some timeout having fun within the office premises to pass the lunch break?
Workplace recreation is increasingly gaining popularity as a strategy for improving the well-being and performance of employees in the workplace. This ranges from fitness programs to mental health programs and entertainment programs. Workplace recreation has proven to have a positive effect on the performance of employees. And this can translate to a boost in your company’s bottom line. Happy employees = Hefty profits!
Encourage your team to help each other out and give each other feedback, whether positive or constructive. They will appreciate feedback from their peers who understand their work in depth and it helps them develop closer relationships and collaborate better in the future.
Do you have any more ideas on how to make the workplace fun and still increase productivity? Share your views with us.
