Why Employers Should Promote Fun in the Office

Companies no longer can hire employees for the sole benefit of getting paid. Employees are now getting more benefits than ever before, and the Great Resignation is proof that a higher salary is not enough anymore.

So the question remains: what are employees looking for in a new position? There is no one correct answer, but overall, employees are looking to find happiness at work.

Companies can argue they do not have the resources to implement fun work activities like happy hours, Zoom-free Fridays, and reimbursed gym memberships. The American Psychological Association recently conducted a survey and found that “more than $500 billion is siphoned off from the U.S. economy because of workplace stress, and 550 million workdays are lost each year due to stress on the job”.

The study also found that “sixty percent to 80% of workplace accidents are attributed to stress, and it’s estimated that more than 80% of doctor visits are due to stress”. Work-related stress has become one of the greatest forms of stress for Americans, and employees feel it is time organizations take responsibility.

It can feel daunting as an organization to switch from a work-centered mindset to a mindset centered around employees, so we are here to help. Here are some of the best ways to make your employees feel cared for and appreciated.

Offer out-of-office incentives

One of the best ways to show your employees appreciation is by acknowledging their lives outside of work. We spend most of our lives working, and we can get burnt out and exhausted.

If you want to show appreciation to your employees, make their lives easier outside of work. Giving back this way is limitless – it could be reimbursement for a gym, reimbursed wifi or cell phone bills, a student loan repayment program, and the list continues.

When employees spend this much time working, they want to feel looked after and protected. These benefits are one of the main draws of looking for a new position.

Give praise where it is due

At the end of the day, work needs to get completed, but it is exhausting to churn out work and never see acknowledgment for personal successes. Managers and leaders within the company need to implement a system for achievements, big or small.

A great way to celebrate small successes and show employee appreciation is to have managers and other employees call out the good work of others once a week.

For example, every Friday is designated to shouting out an employee or coworker that accomplished a hard task, helped solve a problem, or lent a helping hand. A weekly check-in for success is a great way to schedule praises for employees.

Create a positive and safe company culture

Positive company culture can be one of the more challenging elements employees are looking for in a job, but it is essential to retain employees. Leaders can create a positive work environment by harnessing trust with employees. Leaders can do this by having one-on-ones about concerns at the company or designated times to chat with other employees.

Companies need to change with the market because, without adaptation, they will fail to hire and retain new talent. We hope these tips can help your company evolve into a fun workplace.