When did work stop being fun? At some point, the vibrant energy and curiosity we had as kids faded, replaced by rigid schedules, painfully boring emails, and relentless deadlines. As leaders, it’s our job to bring a little of that childlike joy back into our lives. Particularly in the midst of such difficult times.
I like to imagine workplaces as modern classrooms that are engaging, interactive, and lively. Studies consistently show that happier employees are more productive—a 2014 study by the University of Warwick found that happiness boosts productivity by 12%. So, how do we reignite that spark and make coming to work something we look forward to?
Who says adults can’t play with toys? Set up “Escape Room” desks—each department gets a small puzzle box to solve, unlocking treats or rewards. For wilder teams, consider starting a Nerf blaster zone for spontaneous mid-day skirmishes, or a Hot Wheels track race across cubicles. Introduce a “Build-Your-Own” Lego station where employees contribute to a growing office sculpture over time. All these activities are great ways to encourage casual interaction and break up the workday.
Bring in some holiday spirit with themed office events—pumpkin carving for Halloween or a white elephant gift exchange for the holidays. Harmless pranks (the key word being ‘harmless’) can also be a great way to share laughs and boost morale. Try replacing someone’s office supplies with mini versions, setting up a balloon avalanche, or changing everyone’s screensavers.
Team competitions are also excellent for building camaraderie. Host quarterly challenges that encourage friendly competition, such as trivia nights, scavenger hunts, or Duolingo challenges where teams compete for a prize. Make the rewards worth their work—go for a paintball fight or enjoy a day at a local amusement park.
A truly enjoyable workplace starts with leadership. Leaders need to create environments that are welcoming, exciting, and open to play. Encouraging team members to have fun without the fear of being judged as “unproductive” is crucial. When people are relaxed and engaged, they’re more likely to share ideas, take creative risks, and build stronger relationships.
Bringing fun back into the office isn’t about undermining productivity—it’s about recognizing that people perform best when they feel good. A vibrant office culture, complete with moments of joy and play, leads to a happier team and better results. So, let’s bring a little more laughter, creativity, and energy back to work—because in the midst of the current world’s crushing reality, we could really use it.