Fun At Work Day is a day that is celebrated to encourage employers to incorporate fun into the workplace and to highlight the importance of a positive work environment. The day is celebrated on the last Friday of every January. The purpose of Fun At Work Day is to raise awareness of the benefits of having fun at work, and to encourage employers to create a more enjoyable and positive work environment for their employees. This can be done through various team-building exercises, games, and other fun events. Many companies celebrate this day by organizing activities for their employees, such as company picnics, game nights, or other fun events.
The following is a Q and A from fun dept. founder Nick Gianoulis and CONNECT 4Q colleague Christopher Bruce
(From The Hollywood Times)
Nick Gianoulis: Anthony Hsieh, the founder of Zappos, was one of my inspirations for the fun dept. While I only met him briefly a few times, fun dept. partnered with Delivering Happiness, the consulting company born out of the Zappos book, Delivering Happiness and experience. Tony was a genius and a very humble man.
Christopher Bruce: I have had the pleasure/fortune to work with a number of celebrities throughout my career in production and entertainment. The thing that has always stood out to me is that no matter how famous a person is, they are just human and crave that same genuine connection. They’ve worked hard, caught a few breaks, and made great names for themselves but, in the end, are not that different from anyone else. It is all about the shared experience!
After a fun activity in the workplace how do you see the change in the attitude of the employers and managers?
Nick Gianoulis: Fun breaks down the hierarchical barriers that exist in the workplace. Fun humanizes managers/bosses when they endorse and participate in the activities. Is the energy difference in the room? While the energy escalates, people are always more relaxed and open with each other.
Christopher Bruce: People tend to be more relaxed and comfortable with each other bringing the groups closer and more connected.
Can you please give me an example of a recent Fun Day activity in which you saw great impact?
Nick Gianoulis: Hands Up Hands Down is an activity whereby leaders provide answers in advance of “10 fun things someone may not know about me.” The associates/employees then guess who that fun fact belongs to by raising their hands up or down. People who have worked together for decades often learn some new interesting, fun facts. In addition to being a fun activity, it builds trust, respect, and strong connections.
Christopher Bruce: We recently facilitated a Virtual Year end event where a company participated in a variety of interactive competitions, shared personal stories (Even some secret family recipes) and celebrated a successful year. Everyone was engaged, the leadership was able to deliver key messaging to the team and it left people wanting to have more fun in the future.
What are you most proud of when it comes to the work you are pursuing?
Nick Gianoulis: Making people smile and laugh! Hearing the statement, “this is the most fun I have had in years,” always warms my heart. I also take pride in creating new solutions. The process of concept to fruition is very satisfying. CONNECT 4Q has been a two-year journey.
Christopher Bruce: Making genuine connections while moving the needle forward for individuals and companies. Knowing our creative and original solutions really make a difference in the lives that we touch keeps us going!
What do you love about pursuing this work every day?
Nick Gianoulis: Bringing more joy and happiness to the world.
Christopher Bruce: I love connecting with people, helping them escape from the grind, reenergize and find joy at work that positively impacts their lives outside. I truly enjoy getting lost in peoples worlds helping them better connect and engage with the world around them. Perspective is a beautiful thing. I hope that through my work, I can guide others to gain allowing them to get the most out of life.
What are one or two messages about Fun Day at Work and fun dept. that you want to share far and wide?
Nick Gianoulis: Challenge a small group of co-workers to create a brief game (under 10 min), all-inclusive (everyone can play) with items/props in your office or home. Example: Pocket Scavenger Hunt. If you need help, call the fun dept! (302) 463-3819.
Christopher Bruce: I would simply urge people to take a moment to step back from their desk, their task and the stress of getting the job done for a few minutes and enjoy some fun. The energy they will gain from taking just a few minutes away will help fuel them further forward and carry through. Is it time for that Thumb Wrestling Tournament you always wanted to have? Might want to start stretching!
What is the difference between family fun, workday fun, and other fun?
Nick Gianoulis: Workday fun has to be compliant with workplace HR rules and culture. We are often hired for that reason. It takes the burden off the company. My personal and professional life are very much the same when it comes to having fun.
Christopher Bruce: Well, other than the location, they don’t have to be that different. Fun brings us together and bonds us through the shared experience it provides. Life is better when you enjoy the company of those around you. Life is short…so go and Have More Fun Together Already!