It’s Gloomy Out There

The weather we’ve been experiencing here in the U.K., and indeed in some other parts of the world, is hardly inspiring and can easily have an effect on our motivation to get things done.

The connection between how employees feel and how an organisation performs is now beyond question. Anything that can have a detrimental effect on employee engagement and productivity levels should be addressed.

Of course, we can’t change how the weather is going to be. If your people are turning up for work with a face like a wet weekend, because it has been a wet weekend, then organisations should look to boost the mood and lift spirits in the workplace, helping to increase employee engagement levels.

Here are few fun ideas to put in place, to cheer your employees up, and allow them to forget about the lousy weather.

Get a move on

Exercise is without doubt, one of the best ways to get people feeling good. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea though. But by introducing some simple, light, office-friendly exercises, perhaps by bringing in a fitness expert, you can get everyone moving for a while, releasing endorphins and lifting peoples mood.

Have a laugh

Humour is infectious. The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any cold. When laughter is shared, it binds people together and increases happiness. Laughter also triggers healthy physical changes in the body. Humour and laughter strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, diminish pain, and protect you from the damaging effects of stress. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and simple to instigate – try sharing jokes and funny anecdotes.

Call to the angels

I’m serious. Why not hire a group of actors, dressed as angels, to come into the office for a day, and make hot drinks and healthy snacks for everyone, clear office clutter, carry out the more mundane office duties such as photocopying and filing. They can generally help out and help create a peaceful and calming atmosphere.

Talking of food

People seem to love to watch culinary artists creating confectionery masterpieces in the kitchen. Introduce a game giving your employees a shot at designing the best cake representation for your organisation. Break up into teams, including management, and provide the supplies. You will need an impartial judge when all is said and done and most importantly, don’t forget to give everyone the chance to have their cake and eat it too.

X marks the spot

It’s not just kids that love a treasure hunt, admit it, us grown-ups do too, you’re never too old to join in the fun. Why not set up a treasure hunt game in the office with clues to guide your employees along the way. Break staff members up into teams and have something enticing at “X marks the spot”, which could be anything from small snacks and treats, fancy stationary items right up to gift vouchers or even some extra time off.

Whatever you choose to do in your organisation to bring some sunshine into the office, a bit of fun is essential.

The Survey Initiative is an award winning organisation with over 18 years expert experience in the field of employee research. We are passionate about what we do. If you would like more information about how we can help your organisation with employee engagement or any other employee research aspect, pick up the phone or contact us online.