spend so much time at work, so it
should be fun"? It surprises me how
they're enjoying themselves at work. It
doesn't take much to liven up a workplace
and help your colleagues see that the eight
or so hours you spend together can be as
fun and rewarding as those you spend with
family and friends on the weekend.
able to be the master of my environment
to be able to influence the culture and
provide a place people relished coming to
each day. The effort paid dividends in staff
retention, attracting new team members
and customers, reducing sick leave and
generating energy and creativity.
conducive to fun. You could make your area
more pleasant by burning some scented
candles (if you're worried about what your
co-workers will think, ask them what their
fave scent is and buy them some, too) or
putting up some photos. This environment
will encourage you to think positively and
enjoy coming to work. At Business Chicks,
we have a team iPod that is played all day.
Everyone gets to contribute to the music
selection and it's fun to tease
people if they choose something
daggy (we're all guilty of that from
time to time!).
often put on a chef's outfit and go
to work. Another of his favourites
is a road worker's uniform.
Why does he do it? Because it
gets the laughs, people think
he's funny (and therefore more
approachable) and it lightens up
the entire mood in the office. The
other night, he went to a staff party
as Bob the Builder. And no-one will
ever forget his performance (hairy
chest and all) as Marie Antoinette
at last year's Christmas party.
still create themes and encourage everyone
to get involved. Throw a kid's birthday
party one afternoon and bring in your
give prizes to the person who can match
up their colleagues to their baby photos.
walk around to everyone's desk and offer
a treat. You'll get known as someone
who spreads love and hopefully this will
rub off on others. Be the champion for
getting your team together one day a
month encourage each person to bring
in something for lunch and then sit down
and share and enjoy it all together.
around you soar!
occasionally, create themes,
decorate your desk, play safe
practical jokes on co-workers,
send around a short joke
of the week.
and resentful that you have
to be at work or do you choose
to take a smile and a positive
outlook to the offi ce?
changes in your workplace.
candles can make a big
difference. There are no rules
that state fl uorescent lights
and boring work spaces
must prevail!