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We live and work in the fastest-paced era of change since the Industrial Revolution, where businesses are striving for increased flexibility, tighter efficiency and increased engagement. In trying to survive in a hyper-competitive environment, the concept of “fun” in the workplace is often reduced to whimsical whispers in the pursuit of productivity, growth and revenue. However, when properly integrated into an organization’s culture, “fun” can be a catalyst for motivation, profitability and sustainable success, and its benefits extend far beyond office walls or computer screens.
Now, let’s not get bogged down in semantics. By “fun” I’m not suggesting installing a giant slide or adult-sized ball pit in your foyer. I mean a culture that allows for levity, fosters genuine connections, fosters creativity and instills a sense of happiness at work – a culture of fun that encourages building strong connections and community among colleagues.
Related: How to create a workplace culture where everyone feels like they belong
The missing ingredient in the virtual world
The need for entertainment has taken on a new meaning in a distant world. First, let me say that I am a proponent of flexible working. I’ve seen firsthand how a thoughtful and balanced telecommuting policy improves recruitment, retention and productivity. While there are compelling business cases for working remotely, sitting on Zoom for hours on end probably doesn’t meet anyone’s definition of fun.
What was the fun on the days when everyone was in the office? For many, it was those spontaneous moments of laughter, the energy of group discussions in a room where ideas bounced around like charged particles, and the casual brainstorming that happens during a coffee break. These moments, though fleeting, served as emotional anchors. They cultivated team spirit, nurtured interpersonal relationships and contributed to job satisfaction. Today, in a world where work interactions are often limited to structured virtual meetings, the organic evolution of ideas and those crucial moments of connection have become incredibly scarce.
Related: The surprising benefits of fun at work
The new meaning of old values
So there is no confusion: I am no advocating grassroots politics for five days a week, back in the office. Many companies follow this approach and I think it is a mistake. In my opinion, these businesses and firms will pay a high price for being out of touch with the world and what many employees are looking for. However, companies that embrace flexible working don’t automatically score 100% in the entertainment department. They will have to become more creative, devote time and energy to keep employees satisfied and happy in the long run. If they do, my point, based on my experience and that of leading organizations around the world, is that business can have its proverbial cake and eat it too.
So how can companies weave fun into their increasingly digital tapestry?
1. Invest in fun live events
In a remote world, whenever possible, businesses should invest in and support in-person events to foster community and connection. Telecommuting saves businesses a lot of money—reduced office space, lower utility costs, fewer lunches, office supplies, parking costs, and more. Companies should reallocate some of that capital and invest it in gatherings, retreats and social events. These gatherings should be focused on fun and have one goal: to provide an environment where employees can really get to know each other beyond their professional personas.
What do these events look like in practice? I work at Fennemore, a large law firm with 17 offices across the US. At our company retreat earlier this year; we hosted a Back to the Future themed party — complete with 80s party costumes and a DeLorean that looked like it was straight off the set of the original movie. Lawyers may be stereotypically uptight, but our staff got creative, took some risks and had fun.
During the event, we hosted a themed “hackathon” where everyone participated in brainstorming ways to improve learning in remote settings. Our thinking was that if we provided a $5,000 cash prize for the winning idea, employees would have fun, feel supported, and help us improve our remote learning experience in the process. It was extremely successful and we ended up incorporating many of our employees’ ideas.
Related: 5 Strategies for Building a Fun Work Culture That’s Also Productive
2. Reinvent on-site dating
I know that not every date can be about having fun; the work must be done. So when teams come together to work in person, make it count. In addition to presentations and reviews, include team-building exercises, workshops, or even a simple outdoor meeting to break up what might seem like monotonous spreadsheets or lectures.
The best meetings allow for very dynamic interaction. We recently hosted an on-site leadership training program called Fennemore University. Instead of putting people in a room to listen to presenter after presenter, we created an interactive format designed to encourage conversation and connection. After a short, no-frills training session, we split the participants into groups, gave them a chance to wrestle with concepts, and asked them to present their findings. Instead of listening to different presenters for hours, our employees collaborated, built connections and had fun with people they would normally see in a virtual box.
Related: The Underrated Value of Fun in the Workplace
3. Igamify the mundane
Not every task or goal requires teamwork or meetings. What then? Is there a way for people to build links when they’re reviewing documents, entering data, or just going about their business? yes Turn routine tasks or goals into engaging challenges or competitions. Leaderboards, badges, quests or even simple shoutouts can turn a simple task into a challenge – driving engagement and a sense of achievement.
Everyone’s meetings can be informative, but sharing so much strategic information can be long and, I’ll say it, boring. At Fennemore, we transformed our December all-party meeting into a game show. No kidding—we started off with a game of Plinko (with cash prizes!) to break the ice and build excitement for what’s to come. We then went through the agenda with Bob Barker-inspired enthusiasm, encouraging colleagues to share important updates in a lively format. We’ve sprinkled these updates with submitted dance videos from colleagues at our firm, creating a safe space for coworkers to connect, laugh, and enjoy each other’s dance moves, or lack thereof. By embracing the mindsets of the contestants, showing off our inner rock stars, and cheering each other on, this December all-hands meeting served a dual purpose: informing staff about our strategic next steps and promoting camaraderie.
Related: 5 Ways to Gamify Your Work
Fun’s final thought
Having a fun culture takes effort, but it’s absolutely worth it. Incorporating the fun factor into your organization creates a powerful domino effect: Organizations with a fun work culture often have higher employee morale and engagement, better collaboration and problem solving, and ultimately a better work product. In addition, your organization will become more attractive to the best and brightest talent. It’s a win-win. While not all dates can be like Disneyland, they i can to be essential tools for building connections in an increasingly digital environment.
The companies of tomorrow will not be distinguished only by their balance sheets or technological prowess. They will shine through their human touch, vibrant cultures and willingness to embrace the often overlooked and underrated power of entertainment. Throw in some fun and see what happens – I bet you’ll reap dividends and fuel continued success.
