4 Compelling Reasons Why Work Should Be Fun
When making Mornin’ Margs (TM), hello.television only uses the best - and that’s Olmeca Altos Tequila *tooth glint*
So yesterday, I was drinking a margarita.
At 11am. At work.
Cocktails aside, it made me realise something… I have a lot of fun at work. It also made me realise that a fun working environment is something that I have unconsciously cultivated as I’ve navigated my career - with more success at some times than others.
Who cares? No one wants to hear me brag about how awesome I think my job is.
Stay with me for a minute.
Creating an atmosphere where people feel comfortable is intrinsic to my role - directing a performance with talent who don’t usually spend a lot of time in front of the camera presents unique challenges. It might seem like I’m not taking things seriously, or “wasting time” on small talk or making jokes but PSA:
We’re not work robots - we’re human beings with egos and feelings.
And hey, it’s not all margaritas and one-liners; fun at work means no-one is being bullied or marginalised, it means people feel at-ease enough to relax when there is open communication between management hierarchies and everyone feels valued and has a sense of self-worth. It means no one is getting stomach-churning, Monday anxiety on Sunday afternoon.
Ok fine, we were making a fun ‘How To’ video for Merivale & Olmeca Altos.
I’ve worked in some horrendously toxic environments (thank you, television) where the culture has been dictated by some very mislead individuals, “ruling” through fear and division. Sadly, I don’t know many people who haven’t encountered the ubiquitous workplace psychopath. The 80s called and it wants it’s management style back. If you have to tell people you’re the boss, you’re not the boss, and if you need to belittle people in front of others to show how strong you are, your character is weak.
But I’ve also been lucky enough to have some wonderful experiences, and delightful, inspiring bosses who I try to emulate now that I run my own business. They’ve taught me many things when it comes to management and career:
It’s not what you do, it’s who you do it with. The power of listening. Giving everyone a chance to share their ideas. It’s PR, not ER. The list goes on.
Most importantly - Kind is the new cool.
Kindness doesn’t mean being weak, compromising yourself or your ideas, or being walked over by the aforementioned psychopaths. Kindness breeds respect, trust and develops healthy relationships, it cultivates a sense of belonging and an atmosphere in which individuals feel they’re allowed to have fun at work. It creates happy employees. As my career progresses, I’m finding birds of a feather truly do flock together - and I’ve found a wonderful tribe of like-minded individuals who have come through the ‘TV PTSD’ and simply won't stand for bad behaviour anymore, who lead by example and actively cultivate kind, empathetic and fun workplaces.
In my experience people who have fun and enjoy working together go the extra mile for each other. They’re more creative, work harder, are more inspired and have a better sense of job satisfaction. It gives people permission to feel enthusiastic about what they’re doing and whatever they come together to produce is usually better.
“81% of workers interviewed from companies on Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” list, described their workplace as fun. ”
Oh yeah, they also make more money for themselves and for their employers. There’s less attrition in “fun” workplaces and more natural advocacy of their employer and brand. And the statistics are pretty compelling…
So here are 5 compelling reasons why work should be fun:
Happier workers are more productive by up to 20% (and around 12% on average), according to a 2015 study by the University of Warwick’s Centre for Competitive Advantage in the Global Economy.
81% of workers interviewed from companies on Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” list, described their workplace as fun.
Satisfied employees save companies money - a 2019 study by The Engagement Group, found that dissatisfied workers cost US companies up to $550 billion a year.
And probably the most persuasive statistic of all: according to findings by Gallup, engaged teams increase profitability by 21%.
I’m not suggesting we all stop daily for ‘Morning Margs’ - of course, there’s the type of fun that’s appropriate for the workplace and the type of fun that isn’t - but I would consider the “danger” of having too much fun at work a quality problem. Yesterday I was lucky enough to be sampling a margarita made with some beautiful tequila, by one of the hospitality industries very talented mixologists, marking the end of a very fun, and very efficient shoot.
