You’ve heard the old saying, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” It’s taken to mean that we should not focus only on work but should also spend time on pleasurable activities.
We wholeheartedly agree. Helping busy company leaders attain more balance between their work life and their personal life is one of our specialties. But couldn’t there be a place for fun in the workplace, too?
We know that you need employees to do their jobs. You’re not paying them to come to the office and party, after all. But does that also mean that being productive also has to be super serious?
Research has shown that incorporating fun and humor into the workplace benefits both individuals and the organization.
There is scientific evidence, for example, that links laughter to physical health. Laughing releases endorphins and reduces cortisol, thereby reducing pain and stress. When you laugh you also increase the blood flow throughout your body which promotes healthy cells and maximizes the body’s overall efficiency. The long-term benefits of laughing include a stronger immune system, decreased depression and anxiety, and greater self-esteem.
We could stop there and have a pretty good argument for incorporating more fun into the workplace. Besides the fact that it makes things, well - more fun, it fosters health among employees which translates into greater productivity, less absenteeism, and improved workplace safety.
But fun in the workplace is also good for organizations. Incorporating more fun into work has been shown to:
· boost morale
· prevent burnout
· enhance creativity
· foster relationships among employees
· promote collaboration
People who laugh together tend to trust each other more.
So while it may seem counterintuitive, incorporating fun and levity into the workplace can actually enhance company success.
This is why when planning a retreat for our clients we always ask ourselves: How can we make this fun? We’ve had our clients go on treasure hunts, design haunted houses, and play Twister, to name a few examples.
Rather than viewing work and play as opposing concepts, we invite you to think about how they can co-exist.
Could your workplace use a little more fun? Check back with us next week to get some ideas that might help.
In the meantime, here’s your giggle for today:
Employer: We need someone who is responsible for the job.
Job Applicant: Sir, your search ends here! In my previous job whenever something went wrong, everybody said I was responsible.