Did you know the average 4-year-old laughs 300 times a day, and for the average 40-year-old it might be four times? Amazing companies are bringing the fun back into work and reminding us to still keep our childlike nature alive and well. The environment and physical offices tend to be bright and full of color.
Some companies (like Google) even look like big playgrounds! And they take the time to do fun things together. They joke around, play tricks on each other, and have mascots and rituals that keep the culture alive and well. And, despite so, they seem to have super productive employees too, so it isn't all fun and games all the time either. They get results and are reaching their objectives.
•Achievements are rewarded and honored publicly. Achievers, a Canadian based company working with recognition, know this and have built an entire company around just this idea. Research shows that 64 percent of people leaving their jobs do so because they do not feel appreciated. Disengaged employees cost companies up to $550 billion per year in lost productivity!
•A fun work environment helps creativity and strengthens relationships. It also brings positive energy into the workplace. Amazing Companies know that having fun makes people happier, so it makes them enjoy their jobs. Bringing joy and fun to the workplace is what will transform companies to make them more productive. After all, we spend most of our waking hours at work, why shouldn't we enjoy it?
Southwest Airlines knows that flying can be very stressful for their customers, so they use humor as a way to help people relax. Anyone who has ever experienced one of their flights has probably laughed a few times during the flight. They are known for their announcements that will make even the most serious person break out in a belly laugh:
"Everyone on the plane's left side, toward the terminal, put your faces in the window and smile, so our competitors can see what a full flight looks like."
"In the unlikely event of a cabin depressurization, please secure your mask and then decide which child you like better."
"Please be careful when retrieving your luggage and personal belongings from the overhead bins. Shift happens."
"We got you here roughly 25 minutes early. So next time you fly Southwest and we happen to be running late, remember that you owe us 25 minutes."
"This is a no complaining, no whining, no smoking flight. If you absolutely must smoke, I suggest you avail yourself of our smoking area out on the wing... that is, if you can manage to get it lit. While you're out there, feel free to enjoy our in-flight movie, Gone with the Wind."
"We don't expect a loss of cabin pressure today. If we did, the three of us would have called in sick. But if we do lose pressure, masks will automatically fall from the ceiling. After you're done screaming, simply put the mask on and breathe normally."
We could continue for quite some time, but you get the idea.
Celebration includes fun, laughter, recognition, appreciation and ability to make mistakes and learn from them.
It also includes having an environment where employees enjoy working together and where customers feel a sense of joy in their interactions with the company.
I'd love to hear from you if you have fun ideas that are going on at your workplace!
Karin Volo, an expert in engagement, career, personal and organizational development, is known as the Evolution Expert. With over 15 years experience working with executive search, leadership mentoring as well as professional inspirational speaking. Karin is the co-author of international best-selling ENGAGE! You can find out more about Karin and how to create an Amazing Company at www.Evoloshen.com .