301 Ways to Have Fun At Work
By Dave Hemsath and Leslie Yerkes
3.5/5
()
About this ebook
With 301 Ways to Have Fun at Work , Dave Hemsath and Leslie Yerkes offer a complete resource anyone can use to create a dynamic workplace that encourages and inspires fun-and-games camaraderie among employees. It combines thorough research with practical hands-on tools, and features hundreds of ideas real companies have used to lighten up the workplace.
The authors surveyed over 1,500 individuals from organizations around the world and received enthusiastic responses that yielded a broad range of ways to spice up the work day. The suggestions in 301 Ways to Have Fun at Work include humorous training films, dress-up and dress-down days, silly job titles, awards for people who go "above and beyond the call of duty" when a coworker is on vacation, "ritual dances" at the completion of a project, a fashion show when it's time to choose a new uniform-even foam dart fights after meetings.
Hemsath and Yerkes offer ideas for instilling an element of fun into various business functions-from office environment, to meetings, training, communication, hiring, recognition, team building, and "simple acts of fun." In addition to the fun ideas in these chapters, a series of side bars, called "fun facts," "fun quotes," and "fun resources" offer humorous and interesting facts and statements about the effects of fun on workplace performance and job satisfaction, and direct readers to useful sources for products and services to enhance workplace "funativity."
Hemsath and Yerkes show that creating a fun atmosphere in the workplace increases productivity and morale and has a positive effect on the bottom line. Most importantly, they give readers the tools to have more fun at work, no matter where they work, or what position they're in.
Related to 301 Ways to Have Fun At Work
Related ebooks
Cultivating a Creative Culture Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsInfluence Redefined: Be the Leader You Were Meant to Be, Monday to Monday Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsEngagement: Transforming Difficult Relationships at Work Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMental Toughness for Women Leaders: 52 Tips to Recognize and Utilize Your Greatest Strengths Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsWhat They Didn’t Tell Me: How to Be a Resilient Leader and Build Teams You Can Trust Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsIt's How You Play The Game: A Workbook for Creating Great Results in Your Life Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBeating the Impostor Syndrome Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Take Charge of Your Talent: Three Keys to Thriving in Your Career, Organization, and Life Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsManaging Without Walls: Maximize Success with Virtual, Global, and Cross-cultural Teams Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Great Workplace: How to Build It, How to Keep It, and Why It Matters Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5THE LEADERSHIP CONVERSATION - Making bold change, one conversation at a time Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHarmony at Work: Keys to Tune Up Your Work Relationships Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsClosing the Influence Gap: A practical guide for women leaders who want to be heard Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTaking the Stage: How Women Can Speak Up, Stand Out, and Succeed Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Influence Effect: A New Path to Power for Women Leaders Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe SuperWoman's Guide to Super Fulfillment: Step-By-Step Strategies to Create Work-Life Balance Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsEmpathy Works: The Key to Competitive Advantage in the New Era of Work Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDon't Be That Boss: How Great Communicators Get the Most Out of Their Employees and Their Careers Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLet’s Talk About It: Turning Confrontation into Collaboration at Work Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsToo Many Bosses, Too Few Leaders: The Three Essential Principles You Need to Become an Extraordinary Leader Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Bring Work to Life by Bringing Life to Work: A Guide for Leaders and Organizations Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5What-if Leadership Journal Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLive Successfully! Book No. 7 - How to Make Friends and be Persuasive Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsWe Need to Talk - Tough Conversations With Your Boss: From Promotions to Resignations Tackle Any Topic with Sensitivity and Smarts Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Manager's Guide to Bullies in the Workplace: Coping with Emotional Terrorists Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsCompensation Design And Management A Complete Guide - 2021 Edition Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Motivational For You
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Girl, Stop Apologizing: A Shame-Free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Think and Grow Rich (Illustrated Edition): With linked Table of Contents Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Law of Connection: Lesson 10 from The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High, Third Edition Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Game of Life And How To Play It Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Bullshit Jobs: A Theory Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Stop Doing That Sh*t: End Self-Sabotage and Demand Your Life Back Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Change Your Paradigm, Change Your Life Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Emotional Intelligence 2.0 Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Richest Man in Babylon: The Success Secrets of the Ancients Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Set for Life: An All-Out Approach to Early Financial Freedom Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Building a Second Brain: A Proven Method to Organize Your Digital Life and Unlock Your Creative Potential Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Winner Effect: The Neuroscience of Success and Failure Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Tools Of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Intelligent Investor, Rev. Ed: The Definitive Book on Value Investing Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Your Best Year Ever: A 5-Step Plan for Achieving Your Most Important Goals Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Your Next Five Moves: Master the Art of Business Strategy Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Carol Dweck's Mindset The New Psychology of Success: Summary and Analysis Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves: Cheat Sheet Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The 360 Degree Leader Workbook: Developing Your Influence from Anywhere in the Organization Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Overcoming Impossible: Learn to Lead, Build a Team, and Catapult Your Business to Success Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Reviews for 301 Ways to Have Fun At Work
3 ratings1 review
- Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5Not much fun to read though. Was Well organized though
Book preview
301 Ways to Have Fun At Work - Dave Hemsath
301 WAYS TO HAVE FUN AT WORK
Berrett–Koehler Publishers, Inc.
San Francisco
a BK Business book
301 Ways to Have Fun at Work
Copyright © 1997 by Dave Hemsath and Leslie Yerkes
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed Attention: Permissions Coordinator,
at the address below.
Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc.
235 Montgomery Street, Suite 650
San Francisco, California 94104-2916
Tel: (415) 288-0260, Fax: (415) 362-2512
www.bkconnection.com
Ordering information for print editions
Quantity sales. Special discounts are available on quantity purchases by corporations, associations, and others. For details, contact the Special Sales Department
at the Berrett-Koehler address above.
Individual sales. Berrett-Koehler publications are available through most bookstores. They can also be ordered directly from Berrett-Koehler: Tel: (800) 929-2929; Fax: (802) 864-7626; www.bkconnection.com
Orders for college textbook/course adoption use. Please contact Berrett-Koehler: Tel: (800) 929-2929; Fax: (802) 864-7626.
Orders by U.S. trade bookstores and wholesalers. Please contact Ingram Publisher Services, Tel: (800) 509-4887; Fax: (800) 838-1149; E-mail: customer.service@ingrampublisherservices.com; or visit www.ingrampublisherservices.com/
Ordering for details about electronic ordering.
Berrett-Koehler and the BK logo are registered trademarks of Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc.
First Edition
Paperback print edition ISBN 978-1-57675-019-3
PDF e-book ISBN 978-1-60509-269-0
IDPF ISBN 978-1-60994-306-6
2009-1
Design and production Dianne Platner. Copyediting Mary Lou Sumberg.
To fun-loving people everywhere.
vi
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Thanks to Jay Schuster who gave me the encouragement to write this book, even though he doesn’t know he did it.
Thanks to Laura and Kristen who listen to my kooky ideas, and no thanks to Kristen for tick tocking
me into doing this one.
Thanks to Berrett-Koehler for taking a chance with us, and a special thanks to Steve and Valerie. Writing this book has been an educational experience for me; I will never look at writing and publishing in the same way again.
Thanks to my wife, Gayle, and my boys, Michael and Derek, who have had to put up with my brutal travel schedule as well as most of my free time being spent on writing this book. You have been patient and supportive, mostly, and I appreciate it. And boys: you finally got your names in a book!
Thanks to my business partner, Patrick, and my coworkers, Lucy, Tom, and Dana. I know that you’re laughing at me, not with me.
And a special thanks to Kristen who has been my coach and mentor. This book wouldn’t exist if not for your help. Thanks for the ice chips.
vii
To the team at Berrett-Koehler Publishers for your belief in fun as important, for your willingness to be unconventional in the process of birthing this book, and in recognition of your talent. Thanks for being visionaries.
To my partner in crime, Dave, for pursuing an idea and making fun of me even in my most insane moments. Thanks for being a catalyst.
To Megan for believing in the book and bringing your spirit of fun into our lives. Thanks for being an architect.
To my mother and father for your unconditional love and support, which sustains my spirit for fun. Thanks for being risk takers with me.
To all those fun-loving individuals in workplaces across the nation who generously shared their ideas with us and now with you, the readers. Thanks for being fun.
The secret to having fun in life is to surround yourself with fun people. My love and appreciation to all of my friends, family, and colleagues who make fun with and of me, keeping my life filled with laughter and joy, and particularly to Preston for his steadfast friendship. Thank you for being my teachers, for helping me learn how to lighten up! Why carry a heavy load through life when it isn’t necessary?
INTRODUCTION
viii
Fun at work—is it an oxymoron or the newest business management trend?
We believe that fun at work may be the single most important trait of a highly effective and successful organization; we see a direct link between fun at work and employee creativity, productivity, morale, satisfaction, and retention, as well as customer service and many other factors that determine business success.
We wanted to help people see that link, so we decided to conduct an international survey to collect real and relevant stories of what actual businesspeople are doing to create fun workplaces. The results have been phenomenal. We received responses from individuals at many levels of the corporate hierarchy, who work within companies of all sizes and in a wide variety of industries. The responses revealed that many successful companies have made fun an integral part of their corporate culture. Fun has become an organizational strategy—a strategic weapon to achieve extraordinary results in areas of corporate life ranging from training sessions to meetings to hiring practices.
ix
Humor consultant and bestselling author C. W. Metcalf wrote in HR Focus (February 1993) that humor is a vital, critical element for human survival, and we often forget about it, and set it aside. We are told that laughter, fun, and play are unadult, unintelligent, and nonprofessional. Nothing could be further from the truth. One of the first indicators of the onset of most mental illness is a loss of the sense of joy in being alive.
Fun and humor help individuals through crisis and change. Because they facilitate the release of tension, fun and humor increase employees’ ability to cope with stress on the job and to remain flexible, creative, and innovative under pressure—central features of a strong, resilient corporate culture.
Organizations that integrate fun into work have lower levels of absenteeism, greater job satisfaction, increased productivity, and less downtime. As cited in HR Focus in February 1993:
In the nine months that followed a workshop conducted by C. W. Metcalf at Digital Equipment Corporation in Colorado Springs, twenty middle managers increased their productivity by 15 percent and reduced their sick days by half.
Employees from the Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver who viewed humorous training films and attended fun workshops showed a 25 percent decrease in downtime and a 60 percent increase in job satisfaction.
Fun and the energy it creates are contagious. By far, the most intriguing part of the hundreds of surveys we received are the many stories of the ways that individuals and companies incorporate fun into the workplace.
This book is essentially a compilation of these fun and inspiring stories.
x
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
We wrote 301 Ways to Have Fun at Work for everyone who works: from line employees to managers, from contract workers to senior executives. The book is designed so that you can open it to any page and find valuable ideas to use immediately.
We have organized the book into seven sections to facilitate your finding a fun idea to suit your particular work situation or need. At the end of each section, we present an in-depth case study, which we call a Fun Focus,
that illustrates the theme of the section. The sections are as follows:
Work Environment: Giggle While You Work
Communication: Funny You Should Say That
Training: Learning the Fun-damentals
Meetings: Having Fun—Wish You Were Here
Recognition: Say It with Fun
Team Building: How to Create Fun-atics
Simple Acts of Fun
xi
Look for the Fun Icons throughout the book, which identify
Fun Facts,
Fun Resources
and Fun Quotes.
There are even Dave and Leslie Icons, which identify stories we are telling or retelling.
In addition, we have included our Twelve-Step Method to Fun, a program we suggest you share with your coworkers, and follow by implementing one step a month for a year.
At the end of the book is our list of suggested readings—books we highly recommend for your reading pleasure and to aid you in your pursuit of fun at work.
1
WORK ENVIRONMENT
GIGGLE WHILE YOU WORK
2
WORK ENVIRONMENT
GIGGLE WHILE YOU WORK
that each of us makes.
To infuse your work environment with a spirit of fun, you must value fun as important, you must believe fun to be essential
If you want fun to seep into the fabric of your company culture, start with yourself:
3
make a conscious effort to lighten up,
plan for fun,
respond spontaneously to fun moments, and
your work environment.
An organization’s work environment is both tangible and intangible. It consists of the physical structure of your operation as well as the tone that is set within its walls. It might seem difficult to get a handle on the tone of your environment. It is, however, a real thing and can have tremendous impact on your work .
n environment that fosters fun is characterized by positive energy, high self-esteem, and team spirit. People feel alive and want to give their best effort to the task. Fun contributes to the creation of an environment that nurtures and sustains what we call employee want to.
You cannot put a price on want to.
Individuals can be trained to do just about anything, but first they must have the motivation. Fun can enhance motivation. If work and the work environment are fun, the results will be better.
and your quest for an enlivened workforce, we will share with you stories, facts, ideas, and resources to stimulate your fun juices for creating your own Fun Company.
4
Ask yourself the question each day, "Are we