1. Have fun at work! ALA Annual Conference Washington D.C. 2010 Denise Vallandingham Youth Services Librarian Boone County Public Library KY
2. Ways you can create a fun workplace 1. Give up the notion that professionalism means being serious all the time. Lighten-up and laugh! You’ve heard laughter is the best medicine , it just might be true in this case.
3. Ways you can create a fun workplace Benefits of laughter: Physical Health Benefits: Boosts immunity Lowers stress hormones Decreases pain Relaxes your muscles Prevents heart disease helpguide.org
4. Ways you can create a fun workplace Benefits of laughter: Mental Health Benefits: Adds joy and zest to life Eases anxiety and fear Relieves stress Improves mood Enhances resilience helpguide.org
5. Ways you can create a fun workplace Benefits of laughter: Social Benefits: Strengthens relationships Attracts others to us Enhances teamwork Helps defuse conflict Promotes group bonding helpguide.org
6. Ways you can create a fun workplace 2. Define what’s appropriate in your workplace and what is not. This constitutes addressing potentially damaging/harmful humor. This is likely already addressed in your company’s sexual harassment policy.
7. Ways you can create a fun workplace 3. Organize or take part in a “fun” committee. Super Awesome Fun Committee (SAFC) at Boone County Public Library – support staff initiative Publicist and Training & Design specialist organize special staff events throughout the year
8. Ways you can create a fun workplace 4. Add fun to meetings. Start with a humorous story or joke. Introduce something like a Nerf football – whoever is speaking holds the ball and tosses to the next speaker, etc. this serves a double purpose – it’s fun and cuts down on cross-talking.
9. Ways you can create a fun workplace 5. Collect and share your favorite cartoons or jokes. Subscribe to Unshelved.com. You get a comic strip emailed to you daily that is sure to bring a smile to your face.
10. Ways you can create a fun workplace 6. Let customers know you’re a fun company. This can mean having fun customer events, giving employees stickers/candy to hand out to children, humorous buttons or magnets for adults. You can illustrate this with your attitude without spending a dime.
11. Ways you can create a fun workplace 7. Gather co-workers for a “joy of work” hour. Employees share positive, joyful work experiences and express ideas for ways to have fun at work. This would be a great way to start a meeting.
12. Ways you can create a fun workplace 8. Have a fun recognition program. Summer reading program for employees Once a month employees share a positive experience they witnessed involving another employee; managers can “publish” success stories via email or newsletter.
13. Ways you can create a fun workplace 9. Allow yourself to respond to humorous things when they happen. This sounds easy, but some people find it difficult to stop their analytical thinking and just enjoy a funny moment.
14. Ways you can create a fun workplace 10. Commit to being fun and it will change your approach to work. Start slowly with a few activities, communicate your desire to help create a more relaxed workplace. While changes don’t happen overnight, what you can control is your attitude and outlook.
15. Ways you can create a fun workplace 11. Make the staff room an enjoyable place. Have a basket/area where employees can share treats.
16. Ways you can create a fun workplace *Remember, it doesn’t take a manager to create a fun and productive workplace, employees can achieve this on their own.