If you work in an office environment and have seen the television show “The Office,” you know how amazing it is that they were able to keep each episode interesting enough to have viewers laugh and continue watching each episode until it had run for nine seasons. Most TV shows don’t last that long, let alone jobs in offices but they easily could if our office jobs were as funny as the office portrayed on the TV show. Here are ways to incorporate humor into your daily life on the job, without getting fired.
Become Friends With Your Co-Workers
It’s hard to tell which jokes will fly and how you can “bounce off” your co-workers when you don’t really know them. Get to know them and be friends with them and you will find yourself looking forward to heading to the workplace.
Don’t be a Debbie Downer
No one will think you are any fun if you’re always in a bad mood with a metaphorical rain cloud hovering over your head. If something fun or funny does happen at work, don’t ignore it. Jump in on the action with a friendly attitude and your co-workers will know you’re easy to get along with.
Meeting Spontaneity
Meetings are the one time that you have everyone on your team in one room focused on one thing. If you are reviewing past work or giving compliance training, keep the tone upbeat and happy so your co-workers will be, too. Mix up the meetings every time so you’re never doing the same thing and you’re having fun while learning something new.
Keep Them Guessing
Predictability is boring. Don’t be the person that makes the same joke about the weather every day be unpredictable. You do not have to go crazy, but when appropriate do something different, like wear a funny tie or outfit. Your co-workers will be dying to get in on the fun.
Office Games
Spice up the work place with a few inter-office games. Have everyone participate in March Madness and similar prediction games. Have a non-alcoholic drinking game for every time your bosses say their catchphrases, or make up secret handshakes with everyone in the office. Games will keep the mood light and people will be motivated to come in and work while having a good time.
Enhance Skills Through Competition
Incentivize your co-workers to keep working hard – in order to beat their fellow co-workers at a friendly competition. See who can type the fastest, or who can come up with the best TPS report (or what have you) for a client. Find a competition that can increase work flow while simultaneously encouraging fun.
A lot of fun at the workplace is determined by who you work with. If you’re in charge of hiring, hire people you know you would be compatible with and that the rest of your co-workers can bounce their creativity off of. Of course you can’t force a fun environment, so always keep smiling and your happiness will rub off on others.