In order to be productive and efficient in the workplace, it is important for employees to have a positive attitude. In fact, research by Oxford University’s Saïd Business School found that happy workers are 13% more productive, which makes employee happiness a mutually beneficial goal for both the worker and the business owner.
However, many people find their work environment to be anything but positive, leading them to suffer from burnout while underperforming in their roles. To put this into perspective, a 2021 study by Indeed found that 52% of workers feel burned out, with more than two-thirds of people feeling that their situations have worsened since the onset of the global pandemic.
While individual employees are ultimately responsible for their own mental health, the onus is on the business owners to put measures in place to develop an atmosphere that is fun and conducive to productivity. With this in mind, we have created this article to highlight ten fun ways to boost morale, so you create a happier, healthier, and more productive workforce.
Encourage employees to take short breaks throughout the day
Employees need to take regular breaks, so they can recharge and come back to their work with fresh energy. However, many workers feel guilty about taking breaks, thinking that it makes them less productive. One way to encourage employees to take breaks is to have a designated break room where they can relax and take their minds off work. This could be a room with comfortable chairs, games, or even just a space where they can take a short walk.
Organize team-building activities outside of work
Building a strong team dynamic is an excellent way to boost morale. This can be done by organizing regular team-building activities outside of work, such as after-work drinks, sports teams, or social clubs. This will help employees bond with each other and feel like they are part of a supportive community.
Make some time to play games in the office
Plenty of fun games can be played in the office to boost morale and break the ice between colleagues. Some classics include charades, Scrabble, Pictionary, and cards. Remember, just because you’re playing with colleagues doesn’t mean you can’t get competitive and show off your skills. If you want an extra advantage, try using a word unscrambler.
Let employees dress casually on Fridays
Casual Fridays are a great way to boost morale and let employees know that they are appreciated. This simple gesture can go a long way in making employees feel good about their job and appreciated by employers. Furthermore, whereas formal work wear can often encourage competitiveness, casual dress fosters a more relaxed and collegial atmosphere in which employees can feel comfortable interacting with one another.
Start a company-wide fitness challenge
Office-wide fitness challenges are a great way to promote healthy living and get employees to interact with each other. They can also be used as a way to raise money for charity. For example, you could have a ‘step challenge’ where employees compete to see who can walk the most steps in a month.
Recognize and reward employees for their achievements
Nothing makes employees feel appreciated more than being recognized and rewarded for their achievements. This could be in the form of a bonus, gift voucher, or even just a simple “Thank You” card. Whatever you do, make sure that you are genuine in your appreciation.
Host a “bring your pet to work” day
Pets are known to boost morale, and what’s more, they can also help to reduce stress levels. So, why not host a ‘bring your pet to work day? This will surely put a smile on everyone’s face and create a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere in the office. Don’t forget to have some dog biscuits on hand!
Volunteer as a group
Volunteering is a great way to boost morale and make a difference in the community. As a group, you could volunteer at a local soup kitchen, help to clean up a local park, or even just donate your time to a charity. This will show your employees that you are committed to making a difference and that you care about the community.
Conclusion
The ten fun ways to boost morale in the workplace that we’ve listed are all great ways to show your employees that you care about them and want to make the workplace a more enjoyable place. By implementing some (or all) of these ideas, you can create a more positive work environment for everyone. Not only will this help boost morale, but it will also increase productivity and help better relationships between employees.