It’s FUN To Work Here!

In 1979, as a Chick-fil-A Owner/ Operator the genius of Founder, S. Truett Cathy and team shared hundreds of heavy white cotton towels that read “It’s Fun to work at Chick-fil-A”. I still have mine in my office some 40+ years later. The simple, and inexpensive towel reenforced what the Culture encouraged.  Serve the Customer, develop leaders and treat all people that come in contact with the brand well. Leadership made it fun to almost weekly break sales record days, weeks, months, and years. Doing this while making it fun and celebrating.

Another quick story of celebrating hard work. One year every Chick-fil-A restaurant was given a sales and profit goal. (Profitable Growth) I do not remember the name of the contest nor the actual prize, but I remember like yesterday how the prize was delivered. At the annual seminar held that year at the famous Greenbrier in West Virginia I and others received a brief case full of CASH. What a spectacle what a memory what fun!  (Yes the Brinks men kept and close eye on every brief case and each brief case was carefully handed back and a check was provided for the trip home.)

As a side note 40+ years later many of the Chick-fil-A family remain my friends. Work hard, Play Hard – take care of each other.

When someone says, “It’s fun to work here,” the meaning can vary based on context and individual experiences. Let’s explore a few possible interpretations:

1. Positive Experience: In an ideal scenario, when someone expresses that work is fun, they likely mean that they genuinely enjoy their job. They find fulfillment, satisfaction, and pleasure in their daily tasks, interactions with colleagues, and overall work environment. Fun at work can include positive experiences, camaraderie, and a sense of purpose.
2. Engagement and Enjoyment: Fun at work often correlates with employee engagement. Engaged employees are enthusiastic, committed, and motivated.  When someone says work is fun, they might be referring to enjoying their responsibilities, feeling challenged, and having a sense of accomplishment.
3. Positive Culture: A statement about fun at work can also reflect the organization’s workplace culture. If an organization fosters a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment, employees are more likely to perceive their work as enjoyable. Elements like team-building activities, celebrations, and a friendly atmosphere contribute to this perception.
4. Work-Life Balance: Sometimes, “fun” implies a healthy work-life balance. It suggests that the workplace respects personal time, encourages breaks, and allows employees to recharge. When work is fun, it doesn’t feel like a constant grind, and individuals can maintain their well-being.
5. Cautionary Note: However, it’s essential to consider context. Some people may use the phrase sarcastically or as a coping mechanism. For instance:
   • Toxic Workplaces: In a toxic work environment, employees might say it’s fun to mask their true feelings. They may fear repercussions or want to fit in.
   • Job Insecurity: If someone faces job insecurity, they might emphasize the positive aspects to avoid appearing dissatisfied.
   • Pressure to Conform: Social pressure can lead employees to echo positive sentiments even if they don’t genuinely feel that way.
6. In summary, when someone says work is fun, it could indicate genuine enjoyment, engagement, a positive culture, or even a coping mechanism.
7. Making work enjoyable can significantly enhance productivity and overall satisfaction. Here are some creative ways to infuse fun into your workday:
8. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge achievements, no matter how minor. Celebrate completing a task, meeting a deadline, or solving a problem. It boosts morale and creates a positive atmosphere.
9. Create a Playful Workspace:
   • Personalize Your Desk: Add plants, photos, or quirky items that make you smile.
   • Colorful Supplies: Use colorful pens, sticky notes, and stationery. A splash of color can brighten your day.
10. Themed Days or Dress-Up Days:
    • Casual Fridays: Encourage relaxed attire.
    • Theme Days: Have “Hat Day,” “Superhero Day,” or “Favorite Movie Character Day.”
11. Team-Building Activities:
    • Lunchtime Trivia: Host quick trivia sessions during lunch breaks.
    • Escape Room Challenges: Solve puzzles together virtually or in person.
    • Team Sports: Organize friendly matches (e.g., table tennis, foosball).
12. Random Acts of Kindness:
    • Surprise colleagues with small gestures: leave a positive note, share a treat, or offer help.
    • Kindness spreads joy and strengthens team bonds.
13. Themed Snack Days:
    • Taco Tuesday, Pizza Friday, or Smoothie Wednesday.
    • Rotate responsibility for bringing snacks.
14. Creative Brainstorming Sessions:
    • Use colorful markers, sticky notes, and whiteboards.
    • Encourage wild ideas without judgment.
15. Music and Podcasts:
    • Curate playlists or listen to uplifting podcasts.
    • Music can boost mood and focus.
16. Flexible Work Arrangements:
    • Allow remote work or flexible hours.
    • Trust employees to manage their time effectively.
17. Incorporate Games:
    • Word Puzzles: Crosswords, word searches, or riddles.
    • Quick Challenges: Set a timer for a short task and compete with colleagues.
18. Themed Meetings:
    • Costume Meetings: Attend as your favorite character.
    • Beach-Themed Meeting: Use virtual backgrounds with beach scenes.
19. Learning Opportunities:
    • Skill Workshops: Host sessions on hobbies, cooking, or new skills.
    • Book Clubs: Discuss books related to personal growth or industry trends.

Remember, the key is to tailor these ideas to your team’s preferences and organizational culture. When work feels enjoyable, it becomes more than just a job—it becomes a fulfilling part of your life! 

Building strong connections and fostering team spirit among remote teams is crucial. Here are creative and engaging virtual team-building activities that can help your team bond, even from a distance:

1. Virtual Trivia: Host a trivia session via video call. Create fun categories like pop culture, history, or company-specific questions. Teams can compete and learn interesting facts together.
2. Online Scavenger Hunt: Design a list of items or clues related to work or personal interests. Team members search their homes for these items and share their findings during a virtual meeting.
3. Virtual Escape Room: Collaborate to solve puzzles and “escape” from a virtual room. Many online platforms offer escape room experiences tailored for remote teams.
4. Show and Tell: Each team member shares something meaningful or unique from their workspace. It could be a favorite book, a souvenir, or a hobby-related item.
5. Two Truths and a Lie: Participants take turns sharing two true statements and one false statement about themselves. Others guess which one is the lie.
6. Emoji Storytelling: Use emojis to create a story collaboratively. Each team member adds an emoji to continue the narrative.
7. Virtual Coffee Breaks: Schedule informal coffee breaks where team members chat about non-work topics. It’s a great way to replicate water cooler conversations.
8. Word Association: Start with a random word, and each person responds with the first word that comes to mind. It’s a quick and fun icebreaker.
9. Online Board Games: Play classic board games virtually, such as Pictionary, Monopoly, or Settlers of Catan.
10. Themed Dress-Up Days: Choose a theme (e.g., retro, superhero, or beachwear) and have everyone dress up during a team meeting.
11. Virtual Talent Show: Encourage team members to showcase their talents—whether it’s singing, dancing, or telling jokes.
12. Cooking or Mixology Classes: Arrange virtual cooking or cocktail-making sessions. Everyone follows along with a chef or mixologist.
13. Guess the Home Office: Team members share photos of their home offices, and others guess whose workspace belongs to whom.
14. Online Karaoke: Sing your heart out during a virtual karaoke session. It’s a great stress-reliever!
15. Book Club: Read and discuss a book together. It encourages intellectual conversations beyond work topics.

Remember, the goal is to create a sense of camaraderie, boost morale, and strengthen relationships. Adapt these activities to suit your team’s preferences and enjoy the virtual bonding experience!