Bring Fun to Work Today!

By Tory Johnson
CEO of Women For Hire

The majority of executives and HR professionals say a culture of fun at work can improve communication, reduce stress, build loyalty and retention, and increase productivity among employees.

And it doesn't have to cost a fortune. If your company doesn't have the budget or the space for Ping-Pong tables and elaborate game rooms, there are many simple things you can do for little to no money to bring fun and humor to your office.

Send a Ball

For $10 Sendaball.com will ship a bright, bouncy ball (about the size of a volleyball) anywhere in the United States. There's no exterior packaging, so the ball arrives addressed and stamped with a greeting that reads: "Have a ball."

To test the response, I sent a bunch of them to my clients. The feedback was unanimous. It brought so much energy and fun among colleagues who loved tossing it among the cubicles and across the factory floors. It also made me look creative for sending it, which is a good reputation to have in the workplace!

Chuck Your Change

Instead of relying on the boss to pay for your laughs, take up a collection on your own. Place a computer-generated or handmade sticker saying, "Chuck Your Change!" on an upturned large water bottle. Set it out in a high-visibility location within your office, so co-workers are encouraged to contribute. Watch your pennies for perks add up quickly. Use the funds to pay for a pizza party, an ice cream afternoon, a bowling night -- whatever your budget will allow. You can even select a different activity each week or month, depending on the size of the collection.

Sweet Treats

Put a big bowl of M&Ms in a common area for co-workers to share. Because bright yellow is a color known to stimulate the brain, making you more alert and decisive, consider using this happy and energetic hue in your dish.

If Google staffers have tea and crumpets every Tuesday, then why can't you? Set a day and time, and let everyone know they can join together for milk and cookies, hot cocoa and cupcakes, or whatever sweet you choose. If you work in a big company, departments can take turns hosting this monthly gathering.

No matter the size of your employer, it's a great way to socialize and connect personally with your colleagues. You'll meet new people and get to know others better.

Take a Toy Break

We're not robots; we all need breaks. While Nike's corporate offices have tennis courts, a swimming pool and track fields, the rest of us can create our own forms of recreation in small spaces. Tiny toy breaks are a great way to bring fun to anyone's day. Start a meeting by handing out Silly Putty to the attendees. Or keep a stash of it in a common area. Other toys to have on hand include Slinkys, Play-Doh, Nerf balls, magnetic darts, and door-hanging basketball hoops.

Consider Contests

Competition among colleagues doesn't have to be cutthroat; it can be fun too. Celebrate a champion in your workplace in office sports like paper airplane contests, wastepaper basketball, or baby photo-guessing games where everyone posts their baby photo on a bulletin board and tries to figure out who's who. These options bring free fun to your office. Crown the winner of the festivities with an office-made medal crafted from multicolor paper clips or bestow the champion with a certificate for lunch on everyone else.

Johnson is the CEO of Women For Hire (www.womenforhire.com).

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The information contained in this article is only an overview of the subject matter made for general guidance to the reader, and is subject in all cases to limitations and disclaimers set forth in Staples' Legal Terms and Conditions.