I really don’t enjoy working.

To clarify, I love the work I do but laboring to receive income to pay for my basic needs is something I could live without. (I can’t wait to “retire.”) To manage my longing for freedom from the workforce, I find ways to make work enjoyable and, when I focus on this work, can become fun.

Why have fun?

Work fun can feel like an oxymoron; fun feels like something reserved for children or people who are immature (i.e., childish). Fun can be a source of conflict because it can be disruptive. But now, more than ever, I believe we need a little disruption in our day that reconnects us with ourselves and others. I think we need more opportunities to have fun, especially as adults. When we engage in fun things, we are collectively better. Laughing is a stress reliever; crying from laughter is even better. Smiling (real or fake) releases feel-good hormones. Humans learn better when it is paired with fun or play.

Here are a few ways to make work fun for yourself:

• Snacks – Eat a piece of candy when you complete a task.

• Fun stationery and office supplies – Pens, paper clips, notebooks (think cat pens or Lisa Frank folders).

• Playing music…you know, “whistle while you work” – this one was curated for the office

• OR background television – this works best if it’s something you’ve seen before

• Incorporate personal hobbies into the workspace – at The Spark Mill, we love reading and listening to podcasts, so we share these through our newsletter

Here are a few ways to make work fun for the team:

• Slack – in our office, we have a Slack channel for funny memes and playing trivia brain breaks

• Team outings – It’s EXTRA FUN when food is provided. Check out The Spark Mill team during a recent visit to TopGolf!

• Swag that can be used at work – Team shirts, hats, stress balls, etc.

• Friendly work competitions

• Using Post-Its to share ideas – Have you done a retreat with The Spark Mill?

• Having a Spirit Week with different themes for each day – Spirit day idea: what you wanted to be when you grew up

At The Spark Mill, joy-infused change is a value of our work. We truly believe that change work does not have to be completely dreadful and fun activities and engagement help to manage that. If you’re interested in changing your work culture and want to boost enthusiasm and engagement in your organization, reach out to my team at The Spark Mill.