6 ways to jazz up an otherwise dull office

Picture two scenarios: in the first one, there is a company where employees feel their office is like their second home. People spend a major part of the day with each other and some of them are even the best of friends.

In the second scenario, there is a company where employees show very irregular attendance patterns. People hardly talk to each other, office parties, if any, are always a boring affair, and employees tend to hang out in groups.

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Do you see the difference? The glue that holds together a company is its organisational culture, which is often reiterated by the management. A good work culture values the contribution of people and gives them equal opportunities to excel. In return, companies get an army of committed employees. In a survey of over 1,400 CEOs, around 92 percent of the respondents said improving a firm’s organisational culture helps in improving its value.

While you can’t forcibly make employees learn, there are more exciting ways to inculcate important values than tedious meetings. Entrepreneurs could organise fun activities to bring the entire team together and instil some useful values. The result — a happier team and lots of fun!

Here are some ways to safely have fun at workplace:

Birthdays and work anniversaries

If you believe that your employees are like your extended family, then you must also remember to make them feel special on days like birthdays and work anniversaries. Order a cake with a funny message to let the person know their importance.

Observe commemorative days

We all have memories of how when the entire world was out celebrating, we were stuck in office working. Well, you can change that by not being a cruel boss. On commemorative days like Women’s Day, Children’s Day, or even World Aids Awareness Day, you could organise activities like donation drives or visits to the an old-age home or orphanage. Such efforts not only help your do your bit for the society but also instil a sense of unity among employees.

Weekly newsletters

You could start a weekly newsletter and encourage your staff to write about their experiences and problems. Publish motivational articles in the newsletter for the non-writers in your office. Don’t forget cartoons, puzzles, and the jokes sections are liked by almost everybody.

Treasure hunt

Treasure hunts are an exciting way to get employees together and inculcate team spirit among them. Design a theme-based treasure hunt and divide everyone into two teams. Next, post clues at strategic places to guide teams to the next stop. Whoever finds the treasure first wins the prize.

Cooking competitions

If there’s anything that can gather a crowd, then it is the promise of free food. Cook-offs or cooking competitions give people an opportunity to get to know each other well. You could organise competitions by dividing your people into small teams and ask them to cook a theme-based dish in a stipulated time. As the hidden chefs take the stage, you can trust the foodies in your office to stick around for the awesome food.

Create office clubs

People tend to bond over common problems and issues, and offices are no different. Companies could form clubs based on different interests and people with similar interest could come together. For example, there could be a book club for people who like to read or a green club for those who are concerned about the environment.

Talent hunts

You might be surprised how well that nerdy software engineer in your office could sing or how well your secretary could dance. Talent competitions enable people to highlight their hidden qualities and lighten up an otherwise dull office atmosphere.

While you are get ready to organise such activities, let your creativity guide you. At the same time, if any employee is reluctant to join in a particular activity, don’t force anyone. After all, you are trying to bring people together rather send them home annoyed. If you have any doubt about whether this might be a good idea or not, remember what all work and no play did to Jack? Yes, it made him dull, very dull.