Believe it or not, you're allowed to have some fun at work now and again. In fact, according to recent studies, fun and laughter can actually increase productivity and possibly reduce stress (imagine that!) in the workplace. Here are some suggestions from the folks at 3M, makers of Scotch brand Magic tape, on how to infuse fun into the workplace. Give 'em a try -- you just might actually enjoy going to work!

• Plan activities everyone in the office can enjoy and turn them into annual traditions -- hold a summer beach party in the dead of winter, or organize mock-sporting competitions, like musical cubicles.

• Surprise co-workers with treats. Have an ice-cream day in the summer, buy breakfast one morning, pass out mini-baskets filled with candy on Halloween.

• Install a bulletin board in a common area and fill it with baby pictures of all employees. Set up a contest and award small prizes to those who can identify the most photos.

• Use fun office products, such as the Scotch pop-up Magic tape strip dispenser. It automatically delivers pre-cut pieces of tape right to your fingers. As each strip is pulled, the next one pops up, ready for use.

• Create a fun suggestion box for employees in which they can submit amusing activities or games to be played in the office.

• Turn an unused office, cubicle or empty hall space into a fun zone. Place a toy box filled with inflatable rubber toys, foam balls or slinkys -- anything that can reduce stress and get creative juices flowing.

• Conduct an ugly shoe or tie contest.

• Conduct offbeat office pools. Is a co-worker or supervisor expecting a baby? Then offer small prizes for the person who can best guess the date of birth, sex and weight of the baby.

National Business News
Sep/Oct 1999
Vol. 12, Number 5, Page 20