Tapping in to fun within a business can be helpful. The team that plays together stays together. Nurturing an enjoyable atmosphere at work can support staff retention in addition to supporting creativity and developing innovative solutions to tackle work related challenges. However, it all needs to be about balance. Working within an environment where everyone is joking and playing the fool constantly is unproductive. Also, not everyone is made to be a stand-up comedian so having a laugh and telling jokes within the working environment can be a hit but is often a miss. What can work better, is offering fun as a reward for doing a great job.
I employ 50 people and entertainers on PAYE and we always put work first and celebrate later. Reward based celebration might be a drinks or meal out on a Friday evening. It’s incredibly individual what that reward can look like, and needs to suit the manager and the employees, as everyone’s idea of fun is different. For example, reward for a job well done might mean taking a break for a jog around the block – great if you have plenty of fitness enthusiasts in the office. For others it might mean popping a bottle of bubbly or organising coffee and cakes to celebrate a new client win. It’s about taking a moment to relax and acknowledge effort.
Conferences and events also offer the opportunity to introduce fun into the workplace. If you are organising such an occasion, the key is to create an environment where team members and guests have the freedom to join in. Many event organisers rely on alcohol to set the mood of fun and enjoyment. However, this has drawbacks. It can take too long for people to warm up and if too much is consumed arguments or embarrassing behaviour can follow.
Activities are a much better option. Team building tasks such as raft building or crazy golf, anything that is fun and engaging will work as a good ice breaker. Straightaway, people have something to talk about and can get involved.
As well as children’s parties, at Captain Fantastic, we often provide the entertainment at corporate events and it’s all about creating a safe space where people can relax and have fun. For example, we teach a creative balloon modelling workshop and also organise Bonkers Bingo. We include quizzes, dance offs and sing alongs. It’s a world far away from work, yet it strengthens relationships and brings teams together through laughter and fun.
With these types of activities, the workshop leader’s energy is key to finding the fun. Our franchisees are all entertainers by trade, so they focus on bringing a crazy energy to the group straight away. They make fun and laugh at themselves and this helps everyone relax and know there is no need to follow the rules.
With such a busy work life and so many corporate events now taking place in bars and clubs, employees can miss out on valuable family time. How about organising an event that gives time back to families by making it inclusive? Creating an event which has something for everyone, from the youngest family members to the longest-serving employees could really hit the mark. Motivating your team and rewarding them for their hard work as well as rewarding their families too makes for a happier workforce.
If I had to offer one piece of advice about finding the fun in your franchise organisation, it would be to find your own style. Silliness and jokes are not for everyone, so work out what works for you as a leader and what your team like and enjoy. Reward based activities are great. Remember to take time out for yourself after organising any event as ensuring everyone has fun can be surprisingly energy sapping at times!
