Let workers have fun on the job
Recently, a manager asked, "Do you think it is OK for employees to have
fun at work?" To my amazement, the question was serious.
I sincerely believe that most managers, as well as employees, desire a
department of "happy campers." I also believe this presents quite a
challenge.
Consider the many obstacles to work enjoyment. National layoff trends
create fear and nervousness. Add intense competition, particularly from
other nations, that constantly reminds us, "We have to do more with
less." Anxiety about the ability to meet these challenges works against
the happiness factor.
And there are personality conflicts within any group. Some people,
because of differing values and attitudes, impact each other like
fingernails scratching a chalkboard. Every encounter is a challenge to
nerve control.
Further, some jobs are full of drudgery; most jobs have some drudgery.
"Grunt work" is no fun. It is hard to be happy doing the equivalent of
"cleaning the stables," especially if you never get to ride the pony.
Additionally, people sometimes experience overwhelming personal
problems. I've heard mangers say, "Leave your home life at the door when
you come to work." But most people cannot. The burden continues
throughout the workday.
Some days, people just plain feel badly. Even mangers get, as an old
phrase puts it, "out of sorts."
Still, we know managers who lead happy groups. How do they do it?
First, they hire happy people, people who tend to be optimistic and
have a good self image. Second, the leaders themselves are usually
upbeat. They actually believe the group will succeed.
Successes, even small ones, are things to recognize and celebrate.
Failures are just temporary setbacks to challenge our character.
A final note: When asked whether she liked her new job, an employee
responded, "I can choose to enjoy it or I can choose to be miserable.
"I choose to be happy."
Management quiz
Check all of the following that apply to your work group.
Most people in my work group . . .
- 1. Have a positive self image.
- 2. Succeed at what they are doing.
- 3. Are willing to help each other.
- 4. Are optimistic about the future of the department.
- 5. See problems as challenges.
- 6. Perceive their leader to be confident.
- 7. Join in celebrations of success.
- 8. Try harder when the going gets tough.
- 9. Get along well with each other.
- 10. Have a record of succeeding.
Seven or more checks suggest that you have the basis for a happy work
group.
Source:The Tampa Tribune - November 20, 1995 - GERALD GRAHAM of Knight-Ridder Newspapers
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