By Nancy Padberg, MBA, President and CEO
While hustling to meet deadlines with deliverables, it can be easy to neglect the human aspect of the workplace—especially in the climate of remote work and virtual meetings. I have experienced that one crucial element of a healthy culture is not just in productivity, but in the break from productivity. A short, light-hearted break can create higher-functioning teams and boost team morale—all while having a bit of fun.
Prioritizing Healthy Culture with a Break from Business
Organizations with healthy cultures have learned to prioritize the individual over the employee. I call this solution “Fun Friday.” As the CEO of a nonprofit, I organize a simple weekly virtual hour-long meeting set aside as a break from business as usual. We call these meetings “Fun Fridays”. These are not just another meeting following in line with the cadence of the work week. Fun Fridays serve the purpose of team bonding–and team bonding alone.
Fun Fridays give the team a quick break from business. For about 45 minutes to an hour, one associate will host a Kahoot or run through a list of trivia questions to challenge the team and have a little fun. Occasionally, I’ll pull out a $25 gift card just to create a little more buzz, engagement, and friendly competition. This time is set aside as a designated break to promote good rapport, share laughter, and build a healthy team.
Create a Higher Functioning Team with Teamwork
The best part of Fun Fridays is that the meetings are not overly complicated and take no additional planning—and everyone takes part. When team members collaborate, they can support and motivate each other, increasing morale. Additionally, teamwork fosters a sense of trust and mutual respect, which improves communication and reduces misunderstandings.
Boost Morale
By the end of the week, many associates have finished their prioritized tasks and are finishing up the necessary projects before heading into the weekend. Fun Fridays allow your team to take a breather on a Friday, a time to stop, regroup, and communicate with one another in a new light. Ending the week positively allows the team to walk into the weekend with any pressure lifted off their shoulders.
Decrease Stress
No one wants to work in a stiff environment where people act almost robotically. Effective leaders recognize the human aspect of the workplace. Sharing a few laughs with the team during a lighthearted, friendly competition allows them to bond. Ultimately, shared laughter lessens stress, which promotes trust and a comfortable work environment.
Of course, some weeks are busier than others. Occasionally, there may be a week with an important deadline, and a Fun Friday won’t fit into the schedule. The importance is not that the meeting must happen every week but that a break for team bonding is prioritized on the schedule.
As a CEO, stepping away from the To-Do list may feel unnatural or counterproductive to many. However, keeping your team connected should be of utmost importance. Building a cohesive team with high morale is the product of a healthy culture. A Fun Friday is just that—good Fun. The impact of a brain break with the team produces good rapport and a fresh perspective and ends the week on a good note. The ability to share a few good laughs will create the healthy culture today’s associates are longing for.
Previous Business Leaders Series Articles:
