Don’t Be a Fool: April 1st is Have Fun at Work Day

It sneaks up on us once a year, as practical jokes define April 1^st, or the day often referred to as April Fool’s Day. Similarly, April 1^st is also “Have Fun at Work Day”.

Considering the amount of time, effort, money, resources, and risk entrepreneurs tank into their small businesses, there’s little room for fun or joking around. Entrepreneurs who operate small businesses should consider loosening their ties, live a little, and shake the entrepreneurial zombie…especially if it seems like your office has turned into an episode of “The Walking Dead”.

In fact, entrepreneurs and small business owners should consider encouraging as lighter mood every day their business is open. After all, you are in business because of something your passionate about. Don’t lose that notion and learn to not sweat the small stuff, and have a little fun…especially at work.

How to Make Work Fun

You do not have to pull the typical April Fool’s Day pranks to elevate the morale in your small business. What you need to do is create a culture that welcomes fun through the door with the same enthusiasm that you welcome new customers. This will get team members and staff members excited about coming to work, knowing that fun and positive attitudes are welcome and encouraged. Savvy entrepreneurs not only devise innovative ways to make money, they also devise innovative ways to create fun and enjoyable working environments.

Here are some ideas to make your small business a fun place to work:

• Take the team out once per week or per month to lunch or after work to a happy hour
• Promote a “Bring Your Pet to Work Day”
• Encourage team members to take turns writing guest blogs for the small business website
• Hold a meeting in a park on a beautiful day
• Add brighter colors to your small business interior décor
• Hold surprise birthday parties for your staff
• Encourage team movie nights or karaoke nights
• Join a softball league
• Hold a scavenger hunt

Remember to include your employees in the brainstorming sessions that come up with ideas to make your small business a fun place to work.

All in all, don’t think for a minute that promoting fun team-building activities is counter-productive. You can expect to reap the benefits of a fun day at work by creating an environment that motivates your team to exceed customer expectations, enhance their overall productivity, all while boosting morale and team spirit.

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