Tips for Fun at Work

*adapted vetlearn.com*

• Wear different funny hats, sunglasses, or masks to the team meetings.
• Name the laboratory equipment and call it by name.
• Keep bubbles, crayons, and child toys to pass around at meetings.
• Copy someone’s hand using the copier. Type on it: “Need a pat on the back? Stand here.” Tack the sign on a wall where everyone can lean against it for the pat on the back.
• In the bathroom, put up signs that say “Looking good!” or “You are great—Smile!”
• Put up a humour/rumor board; first, make certain everyone knows what is appropriate humor for the clinic.
• Watch a movie together and discuss learning points from it that can be used at the clinic. Good movies to try are Apollo 13 and 12 Angry Men. Encourage the team to look for movies to use.
• Have a “Joy Jar.” Each month, decide that there will be a 25-cent penalty for a negative behavior, like saying “can’t.” The penalty money goes into the Joy Jar. At the end of the month, identify two people to be the Joy team. The Joy team decides how to use the money in the Joy Jar to spread joy in the clinic. For example, you might have a masseuse come in to give neck massages or get someone to come in and speak on managing stress.
• Help team members develop their sense of humor by supporting their sharing of funny incidents and stories. Look for opportunities to help people take themselves and their jobs less seriously. Share positive stories, and encourage others to share them with the team.
• Make sure you have a supply of fun office toys (e.g., Silly Putty, Slinkys, Pez dispensers, Frisbees, Nerf balls, Koosh balls).
• Bring a camera to work and catch people having fun. Put the photos on a “Wall of Fame” board with funny or heartwarming captions.
• Post photos from newspapers and magazines on a bulletin board, and have team members write funny captions on sticky notes around the photos.
• Put fun messages on employees’ paychecks to recognize their performance or special days like their birthday or work anniversary.