Fun Has Hit the Headlines

"If you are not working for a company that is enthusiastic, energetic, creative, curious, clever, and just plain fun; you are in trouble....serious trouble." As Tom Peters, the management expert so aptly stated; fun has hit the headlines as a key ingredient to better training, better business, and a better quality of life. As the CEO (Chief Energizing Officer) at Fun*cilitators™, a Certified Leisure Professional and Certified Laugh Leader with a degree in Recreation and a Masters in Experiential Education; I have dedicated over 20 years to promoting the benefits of playful professionalism, fun at work, and practicing safe stress. The research is overwhelmingly positive about the benefits of humor in the workplace and embracing the concept of fun and effectiveness.

* A staff that plays together, stays together, and performs together. Workers are like cows - contented cows give more milk and contented workers produce more.

* Creating a workplace that is enjoyable and where there is a liberation of talent, rather than restraint by rule decreases absenteeism, turnover, and stress while it increases creativity, productivity, and job satisfaction, (a key factor to longevity).

* People with a sense of humor have three times the energy than those who don't. CEO's often choose people with a good sense of humor over those with similar qualifications who don't seem to be light-hearted. Laughing and smiling help the immune system fight disease and decrease stress. We know stress kills the heart and can cause brain damage.

* Blending fun into our workday helps integrate the left and right brain hemispheres that helps balance our energy and focus. Take short breaks throughout the day to move your body and your mind to stay refreshed.

*The learning process should be playful to entice a relaxed state of mind, aid in retention, and hold the interest of the learner. If the learning is interactive, retention and understanding are increased with the inclusion of more senses and integration of the body, intellect, and the emotions.

* Creating a fun environment in your organization also boosts customer retention. People like doing business with people who like doing business - they keep coming back to pleasant people. It also helps boost retention of your internal customers - your employees will want to remain in an enjoyable work environment and that cuts down on your recruiting efforts and your expenses for employee turnover.

* Research indicates that one in four workers have an anxiety related illness that can make medical and absence expenses skyrocket for organizations. It also indicates that Americans consume 15 tons of aspirin per day. Integrating humor and fun into the workday not only improves company loyalty; it improves the health of workers and keeps them around longer.

* Combining a creative way to recognize employees with a special event to enhance morale, motivation, and meaning at work aids in worker satisfaction, team cohesiveness, and understanding between management and staff. We all want to know we make a difference and that what we do matters. Being aware of employee contributions and creating a fun, festive celebration around their accomplishments goes far in creating goodwill within the organization.

* Simple solutions for cost-effective fun in your workplace

* Celebrate birthdays or hold a monthly birthday party complete with cake and ice cream for the staff - have a "big spin" wheel with a variety of prizes for the birthday honorees. People love to graze and break bread with each other to build bonds - remember the adage of contented cows?

* Consistently praise co-workers and inspire them to honor each other with award cards or Pocket Praises T that give out small rewards such as movie tickets, pizza or coffee coupons, or an hour off. Recognition FUNdamentals Kits can be found on the ParaFUNalia page at www.funatwork.org . Suggest sending digital praises from www.epraise.com.

* Host a Decorate Your Cubicle Day

* Have themed staff calls or all hands meetings

* Coordinate quarterly pot-luck lunches

* Involve family members in events and celebrations

* Start each staff meeting with good news or appreciations and have stress toys available in the room during meetings

* Gather for a community service project to build ties with a good cause

* Be sincere and consistent in all your initiatives so workers don't mistake it for "flavor of the month" - full support of a playful corporate culture is key

* Give out Panic Buttons for their keyboards or wearable I'm Appreciated buttons or Fun Meters to staff - visit www.funcilitators.com for these items.

* Try these helpful resources for your library: 301 Ways to Have Fun at Work, 301 More Ways to Have Fun at Work, 1001 Ways to Energize Employees, 1001 Ways to Reward Employees, Managing to Have Fun, Fun Works: Creating Places Where People Love to Work.

* Start a Laughter Club in your organization. Weekly laughter sessions at work can help improve camaraderie, reduce stress and tension, help improve health, and create an enjoyable way to start the day for workers. Laugh Leaders facilitate 20-30 minute sessions to get the group going strong and your group will be a part of the over 300 Laughter Clubs in America - a part of the World Laughter Tour - www.worldlaughtertour.com. The April cover of Incentive Magazine stated: "Funny Business - Want to Increase Productivity? - Make 'em Laugh". So the verdict is in - you can promote peak performance through playful professionalism. Now it's your turn to create a fun and effective workplace. Laugh long and prosper!

Gail Howerton, MA, CLP, CLL is the CEO (Chief Energizing Officer) T of Fun*cilitators T and the Author of Hit Any Key To Energize Your Life. As an Energy Expert, she is the only person in the world holding both authentic credentials of Certified Leisure Professional and Certified Laugh Leader. Gail is a professional speaker facilitating fun and effectiveness around the world to energize your enterprise and promote peak performance through playful professionalism. Contact her at 800-930-6096 or subscribe to your free monthly ezine Live Wire at www.funcilitators.com for tips to practice safe stress and enhance motivation, morale, and meaning at work. Feel free to reprint this article along with my name and contact information. I would also like a copy of your publication for my scrapbook. Copyright 1997 - 2002 Fun*cilitators_____________________________________

Back to Resources