NFIB

Can Work Be Fun During Tough Times?
03/ 28/ 2002

Between the war on terrorism and the sluggish economy, Americans are stressed out. Our evening news is filled with scary stories of anthrax followed by reports of a failing economy. As a small business owner, it's up to you to help your employees relax and feel safe--not only for their personal well-being, but also for the health of your company. In today's Workshop, contributor Jeffrey Moses suggests ways to help your employees loosen up and have fun while at work.

Experts say businesses that encourage employees to have fun at work are more productive than businesses that frown on any sort of levity. Employees who are bored with their work environments are inevitably less creative, less inclined to achieve excellence in customer service and less likely to feel loyal to their company.

While fun should not be placed above achieving goals and maintaining working habits, encouraging an exciting and enjoyable working environment--especially during such stressful times--is a highly cost-effective way to reduce employee turnover and enhance productivity.

How can a small business owner encourage employees to have fun while they work? Here are five simple and proven ways:

1. Keep things interesting.

When every day feels like the same old grind, employees begin to get bored and unenthusiastic. Why not set up a special catered luncheon once a month so employees can mingle for an hour or so? It doesn't have to be expensive. A sandwich tray from a sub shop is fine.

2. Get away.

Once every several months company employees should meet outside the workplace for lunch, dinner or even breakfast. Interaction outside the office is vital to team building. During these meetings the company doesn't have to pay for everyone's meal, although from time to time dessert and coffee should be "on the house."

3. Play time.

If your company is large enough, form sports teams to compete in local leagues. Volleyball, softball, basketball and bowling are all popular choices.

4. Reward success.

Even though times are rough, celebrate the success. Call attention to people or departments doing well. When important sales are made or projects completed, gather everyone together for cake and ice cream or any other celebratory tradition your company would like to establish.

5. Talk , Talk, Talk.

Encourage an environment in which managers and staff have an open and ongoing dialogue. A lively interchange between employees is key to creating an enjoyable, satisfying and productive place to work. When managers listen to and act upon employee suggestions, everyone feels that his or her input is important. This creates a feeling of teamwork, helping employees feel what they're doing is important to the company's overall success.

Small Business Sound Off
Does this story hit home?  Share your story with us