Why we need to have more fun at work

Some offices allow for silly pranks to add to a fun environment at work. Photo / Thinkstock

Have you ever worked someplace where one day you just didn't want to go into the office? You just didn't feel the "fun" in it anymore?

Some folks will tell you this is much more commonplace than you might think. Others will say, "Who cares, since when is work supposed to be fun?"

But given that we spend so much time at work, shouldn't we at least find some pleasure in it?

Several years ago, Tony Hsieh, chief executive of Zappos, wrote a book called Delivering Happiness. He said his purpose was to "contribute to a happiness movement to make the world a better place."

At Zappos, the firm created the "Zappos Culture Book." The idea is to ensure that everyone knows and lives by the firm's 10 core values, some of which are: "create fun and a little weirdness," be adventurous, creative and open-minded, build a positive team and family spirit, and be passionate and determined.

As Hsieh has pointed out, "If you get the culture right, the other stuff will fall into place."

Interestingly, decades before, William Byham wrote a book called Zapp! The Lightning of Empowerment! In this fable of an organisation, he creatively illustrates what zapps (or energises) and what sapps (depletes) people. For example, meaningless, repetitive work, no input on decisions, everyone treated like interchangeable parts all sapp employees. Responsibility, trust, being listened to and praise zapp them.

There are plenty of things firms can do. Some encourage or set up interoffice games, team-building activities and icebreakers at meetings. They host social events and celebrations and sponsor office sports teams. They even allow for silly pranks.

Research notes that millennials and younger workers really expect a workplace that is social and fun because this is considered their second family. I agree, but I don't think older workers necessarily want to work in a dull environment either. In fact, if they are continually asked to do more and more due to competition, budget cuts and such, then making sure there is humour and fun at work may be even more important that ever.

Russell is director of the Executive Coaching and Leadership Development Program at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business.