Going into the office every day can sometimes feel like a bit of a chore. But this doesn’t have to be the case.
There are many different ways to help spice up your work environment and make your time there every day more enjoyable. And who wouldn’t want their workplace to be more fun?
The best thing about bringing a little pleasure to your office every day is the results go further than happy coworkers. By increases the enjoyment within the office you will also increase productivity and help encourage people to perform better.
Want to learn how to make this happen? Keep reading for 11 fun office ideas to help spice up the work environment.
Furry coworkers
No, we aren’t talking about Jared down the hall with the beard. We are talking about pets!
By having an office pet, such as a dog or a friendly cat, you boost morale and give people something to look forward to. Pets help to reduce stress and promote healthy employee interactions.
And of course, who doesn’t love having an affectionate animal there after a tough client interaction. Dogs and cats bring happiness and a bit of excitement.
The pet will also love all of the added attention it’ll be getting at work, so it’s a win-win for every being involved.
Group games
Consider having a time during the day where everyone can take a break and partake in a group activity. Working on a large puzzle, brainteasers, board games, or a coloring book can help promote creative thinking and break up the daily routine and using tools that help unscramble letters can make the word games more fun and competitive.
This also destresses people and gives them a chance to spend a little bit of time do something they enjoy and is separate from normal work.
You can even create a space within your office designated for these kinds of activities that employees can go to when they need a break.
Healthy work-free competition
You may already have a work-related competition going on within the office. And although this can also be great, sometimes it can also be stressful.
Consider creating some healthy and fun competition among coworkers that has nothing to do with job performance. Things like a fantasy football league, holiday-themed competitions, or food making competition.
This can create a fun dynamic and encourage people to do their best.
Decorate
Sometimes offices can both look and feel blah. So consider spicing it up with decorations.
This will help the office to feel fresh, new, and just like home. Decorating can range from a new paint job, gradient window film, or even cool art for the walls.
If you really want to get creative, make this a competition among employees about who can decorate their space the best.
Potluck lunch
Consider holding a regularly scheduled potluck style lunch or breakfast. This will give everyone something to look forward to each month and also promotes team bonding.
Employees will have the chance to get to know each other over a shared meal and also may discover a new favorite food in the process. Because nothing promotes a communal feel more than sharing full bellies.
Just make sure to be aware of everyone’s food allergies beforehand.
Exercise
Overit, a media company based out of Albany, gives its employees a two-minute exercise break every hour. This is the perfect time to stretch, do some jumping jacks, or even dance around to reset your brain before getting back to work.
Sitting at a desk all day can be draining, and by taking short exercise breaks you get the blood pumping both to your body and your brain.
Consider even creating a yoga and meditation space for people to go enjoy for a few minutes a day if needed.
Snack drawer
Keeping a snack stash stocked isn’t expensive and it gives another reason for employees to feel a home in the office. Sometimes during a rough a day at work, you need a little pick me up, and snacks can be the perfect solution.
Ask everyone around the office to vote on their favorite snacking options to make it feel even more personal. Your employees will feel well taken care of and in turn, be happier about being there.
Free coffee
If you don’t already offer free coffee, then you are clearly missing the mark. We all know coffee is good for the mind and the soul.
And nothing is more draining to work productivity than a mid-day caffeine crash.
If everyone has the option to go to the kitchen and grab another cup of coffee before they are burnt out, you will see an increase in happy faces and focused minds.
Plus, this saves them from leaving the office to fetch another $5 cup down the street.
Playful pranking
If an employee goes out of town for an extended vacation, get the rest of the office together to devise a funny prank for when they return.
Of course, this needs to be done carefully and, in a manner, that the person being pranked doesn’t feel picked on.
But office pranks can be an excellent way to encourage laughter and lighten that sometimes stifling office environment.
Celebrate good performance
Encourage employees to recognize when their coworkers are doing well or when the team as a whole reaches a certain benchmark.
Reward employees when they reach their anniversary with the company or when the company hits a certain number of customers. This will encourage team members to do well and creates an environment where they know their hard work is being recognized.
Vision board
Keep your vision for the company front and centre in the office. This can be done in creative dynamic ways such as pinning up good customer reviews or pinning up compliments between coworkers.
By seeing on the wall every day the happiness coming out of their hard work, employees will feel appreciated and encouraged to do even better.
Try out these fun office ideas
These fun office ideas are such to spark joy in each and every member of your office. And remember that work doesn’t always have to be a drag.
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