Friday's Think BIG! Business Success Tip

It's Not One and Done-Part 7

“Making the Workplace Fun”

Business building today demands among other things focused attention, strategic thinking, professionalism, cash inflow, goal-directed staff and team members, a viable business plan and the list goes on.  It takes real effort to build the value to gain customers and grow success.  It isn’t a strict 9 to 5 routine. Each day brings its supply of shortfall and opportunity. It can be stressful not only for the business owner or leader but also for everyone impacted inside the business.  Therefore, it is vitally important that the workplace become not only a source of delivering the value needed for the business to succeed; but, a place that staff and team members enjoy entering each and every day.

The question becomes, “How can we create the professional environment we need but also create a less stressful atmosphere for the work to be performed?”  In itself this can be a paradox; but, by “letting go” and realizing that fun is very much a part of any business environment, you can achieve both goals. 

So, how can we go about putting more “fun” into our business operations?  Let’s take a look at what some other companies do to make the workplace more exciting:

> Zappos:  They have the “Zfrog Awards” which allows employees to pitch their business ideas;  “laughter yoga” classes which puts a new twist on a health/lifestyle experience; “Tank Top Tuesday” which has the staff team in their most glorious tank tops and which also brings out lots of laughter and excitement for all; and, recognition such as “Merchandiser of the Quarter,” which recognizes an individual who has gone above and beyond the norm in making the lives of others easier.

> Morningstar:  This company has free beverages for employees at all times.  They have a special free bagel day every Wednesday.  Casual dress is available everyday; and, they have many social events for everyone throughout the year.  Another key factor that provides some fun is their egalitarian environment that denotes everyone and yes everyone is equal.  This makes talk between senior executives and the entry level personnel respectful yet uncharacteristically casual. 

>  REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.) :  This organization provides free equipment rentals to all employees and a special “Worst Tie” Day event.  They have a very unique “Christmas in July” event as well as highly active outside company community service projects that really ties everyone into a functional team environment.   

One will find when investigating these organizations that their retention levels are among the highest among major companies and that all employees feel that work is not a chore.  They all feel that work is an opportunity and one that they know each and everyday will produce an opportunity to laugh, have fun but yet soar to new heights in their job demands.  When work is looked upon as fun, it becomes a part of who you are and raises your passion for achievement in ways that money could never influence nor power provide.  

Regardless of your business size or  the industry you represent, providing some unique fun value can help you not only retain great personnel but also attract others to your door.  People are drawn to be part of something that provides value and does it in a way that reduces the normal stress that any career might provide.  So what can be done?

Here are a few things to consider as you build fun into your work environment.  Give them a try.  Expand on other ideas that may come to you and enjoy the trials of your career and business each and every day.

1)  Hold an ugly sweater or shirt day.  Give a prize to the person voted during the day as having the ugliest sweater or shirt. 

2)  Start “Pop Corn” Day where you provide popcorn to employees and others who visit your business on that particular day.  Make it festive by investing in a special popper available at membership clubs such as Sam’s and Costco and keep it on display.

3)  Begin an awareness program where employees who have contributed to the company’s success or special customer service can be recognized.  Utilize a unique name such as ’Top Hand Award” or “Spotlight Award.”   

4)  Provide special treats for birthdays, service anniversaries, etc where you bring in cupcakes, cookies, or special cake to share and celebrate with the recognized individual (s) and team. 

5)  Hold a coloring contest where employees can color pictures you provide and then post them for all to see.  The winner or a series of winners can be given novelty items as their prize.   

6)  Offer free beverages and snacks such as peanuts, pretzels or energy bars and of course some chocolate for all to enjoy. 

7)  Hold ’Sub Day” where you involve a local sub shop in providing assorted subs for all employees. 

8)  Begin a “Show ’N Tell Day” where employees can display their ideas in your business on how to either help the company reduce operating costs or grow sales or service.  You could have them use boards that are often used for school science projects as display props. 

9)  Offer special events such as bowling night or have a special “Putt-Putt Tournament” for your business.   

10)  “Show Your Colors Day”  where everyone wears the jerseys, shirts, or caps of their favorite sports team.

11)  “Guess Who”, this is where employees place on a sheet things about themselves, even baby photos and fellow team mates place a guess who the individuals are.  

12)  “Name the Charity”, this is where team members and staff nominate local charities and employees vote on who the company will support. After the selection,  coordinate a fund raiser for this charity by all employees. 

13) ‘Costume Day”, where you encourage wearing costumes for special events such as Halloween, Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day.

14)  Sponsor a lunchtime “Checkers Tournament.”

15)  During allowable times of the year, hold meetings outside with box lunches or other appropriate snacks.

16)  “Silly Face”, take random photos of staff and team members in their most unique pose and run a slideshow in the break area featuring the many “looks” of your company.  

17)   Host a “pot luck” luncheon.

18)  Make arrangements with local Red Cross or hospital services to do wellness checks for all employees.

19)  All employees “thank you’s” to various or special clients for their business.

20)  Ring a bell or sound a horn when various company goals or special sales are achieved.  Celebrate with a “sweet treat” or other special snack to make it a festive event.

The bottom line:  creating a “fun environment” at your business will enhance your potential for success.  Make it widely known that your company is one that all work hard; but, it is also a place where all have fun.  Laughter brightens the room.  It also helps to release endorphins which are more powerful than morphine.  Endorphins create a sense of well-being which leads to a more positive attitude and in turn will lead to greater acceptance, and enjoyment of surroundings by the impacted individual.

Fun at work is possible.  When your staff and team members are anxious and excited to enter the work regiment each day because of the environment you have created and the freedom they feel to excel, everyone wins.  Begin today by making “fun” your new environment.         

For more information about how Think BIG! Coaching and Training might be of assistance to you and or your business, contact us:  herman@thinkbigcoachingandtraining.com / 304-839-5101 or visit our website...

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