Weekly inspiration #16: Have more fun at work
A while back, I mused on this blog that it’s becoming more acceptable to have fun while doing serious things like work: “Fun is no longer perceived as just recreational, but also productive: If you enjoy yourself, then you just deliver better results.” So how can you make your work more fun? Here are some tips to get you started.
First on the list: Stop going to work altogether. Instead, work from cafés, park benches - anywhere but the office. And remember to change places often. If you must go to the office, make sure it looks and feels awesome. Here are 10 amazing offices from around the world as an inspiration, and here are our impressions from the Google headquarters in Zurich, also an amazing place.
Feeling tired with all the endless discussions and debates at work? Here’s your guide to the martial art of difficult conversations, guaranteed to resolve conflicts in Ninja-like manner.
Also, it helps to get the most important work of the day done first. After that, you can think about creative ways to solve problems - like the “invisible theater” that South-African HIV workers use to raise awareness.
What do you do to make your work more fun? Let us know in the comments!
Picture by Hallicious on Flickr
Nico is Head of Research at Sandbox. Thanks to all his lovely colleagues, most of his work is actually great fun.
On the 16. November 2009 at 10:49 o'Clock
I like the hints on changing places. I do that a lot. In order for it not to decrease my efficiency, I try to make if list of places where I could go. I also try to schedule meetings during the times that I’m normally unproductive. They mostly come as a welcome change of thoughts.
Besides that, it is also very much about attitude. Reminding myself to keep a positive attitude no matter what really helps. I furthermore try to split big problems into small, manageable situations and therewith try to do something that I like doing every day.
Lastly, it is also about the culture/general mood very much and an individual can shape a team. Thus, bringing colleagues out for drinks or going for sports with them can increase the fun at the workplace, too.
On the 16. November 2009 at 10:58 o'Clock
Andi, thanks for your comment! Regarding the time to schedule meetings, see also Paul Graham’s great essay on Maker’s Schedule vs. Manager’s Schedule: http://www.paulgraham.com/makersschedule.html