How can a company inject more fun into the workplace? Fun should play an important role in any business, and not just because it’s more enjoyable to work in an environment that encourages laughter, smiles, and playful competition. There are also concrete benefits of adding fun to your business including boosting productivity, improving customer loyalty, and making it easier to attract top talent. With this in mind, here are seven ways companies can add more fun into their business.
1) Work with a friend
People have a natural tendency to work harder when someone is watching. If you have one, make sure your friend is there with you and visible for most of your workday. You’ll be more inclined to push yourself if you know that someone else is counting on you being productive and it makes sense in terms of business productivity: When people are having fun, they tend to do their best work and stay interested in what they’re doing.
2) Travel together
Every employee needs some time away from their desk, so consider taking your team on a trip. Make sure you pack plenty of activities (like movies and games) that will help boost everyone’s creativity and productivity once they get back to work. The best part is that it will also be a great way for employees to bond after all, it’s hard not having fun with each other when you’re away from home!
3) Sign up for a community event
Volunteering at a local community event is an easy way to add some fun back into your life. It’s also a great way to network, find opportunities for professional development and build business relationships all from an enjoyable activity.
4) Attend company events
Attending fun events as a team lets employees relax and take a break from their daily tasks. Even if it’s just a regular happy hour, getting together with your peers in person helps foster business productivity by creating trust and bonding among team members. Even if you don’t work in an office setting or have immediate colleagues, think about throwing or attending at least one event per quarter. People enjoy socializing with other people on a professional level when they can share insights or challenges without worrying about hurting feelings.
5) Eat out more
Whether you’re entertaining clients or just treating yourself, eating out is a quick and easy way to up your business productivity. By doing so regularly, however, you could be spending hundreds of dollars per month on food that doesn’t bring any added value, you’ll just end up feeling sluggish. To curb your spending while also keeping productive, eat out less and make more of your own meals.
6) Take a risk with your career
Taking a risk doesn’t mean making a huge, life-changing career move. It can mean simply asking for that raise or promotion or stepping outside your comfort zone by talking with someone you don’t know at an event. Taking risks expands your professional and personal growth, which in turn gives you more skills and experiences to call upon for future successes. Of course, not all risks are created equal the kinds of risks you take in your career will vary depending on where you are in your life.
7) Do something you have always wanted to do
If your dream is to be a professional rock star, or even just learn how to play guitar and sing, then now’s your chance. Quit your job and sign up for lessons. If you want nothing more than to finish that half-written novel sitting in a drawer, now’s your chance just make sure you still pay your bills while you do it. Many of us find ourselves stuck in unsatisfying careers that we know aren’t right for us.
Final Thought
While working in a business is never exactly what we’d call fun, it’s important to remember that fun and work aren’t mutually exclusive. Take a moment to appreciate your co-workers or family members and friends today and tell them how much you love them! They may not be perfect, but they are awesome.
