Why having fun at work is important

For a lot of people, “fun” isn’t the first word that springs to mind when they think of work. Yet there’s no reason why it shouldn’t be — especially when you consider the many benefits of fun in the workplace.

The benefits of a fun work environment

Ensuring you and your team have a fun, enjoyable workplace offers a number of distinct advantages. As Rhett Power points out in his Inc. article “10 Reasons Why It Is Important to Create a Happy Workplace,” fun reduces stress. It also energizes people — and these two factors combined can result in an increase in productivity.

In addition, fun makes people more creative because it allows them to think playfully. As Ayse Birsel reminds us in her article titled “How This Game Can Help Boost Creativity in Teams” for Inc., children aren’t afraid of making mistakes when they play. That’s how they learn. Similarly, being playful without being limited by fear of failure can give your team a huge boost of creativity.

Fun can also strengthen relationships between employees, according to Jacqueline Whitmore in her Entrepreneur article “The Surprising Benefits of Having Fun at Work.” And when your team enjoy the time they spend together, they can become more engaged and happier at work.

How to create a fun work environment

Now you know some of the benefits of a fun work environment, how do you create one?

It all begins with fostering a positive environment, one where people feel comfortable enough to laugh and be a bit playful. You can encourage your team to share breaks and meals together, since the better they get to know each other, the more fun they’re likely to have.

Additionally, as Kathy Oden-Hall explains in her Forbes article “Benefits of Fun in the Workplace,” it helps to use humor during challenging times. This can reduce tension and help unite colleagues.

Another good idea is to organize fun team building activities. Think of challenges such as kayaking, sand sculpting, a BBQ cook-off, or even building houses with Habitat for Humanity.

Fun in the workplace is good for the bottom line

Fostering a fun work environment can make your employees less stressed, more productive, more creative, and more engaged. And in the long run, all of this can have a positive impact on your organization’s bottom line — and on your career.

Sources:

https://www.inc.com/rhett-power/10-reasons-why-it-is-important-create-a-happy-workplace.html

https://www.inc.com/ayse-birsel/why-being-playful-can-make-you-a-more-creative-person.html

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/288223

https://www.forbes.com/sites/paycom/2017/02/09/benefits-of-fun-in-the-workplace/#257d2a8b78b1