Ten ways to make your office more fun
Miles Kohrman recently published an article in Fast Company on 10 ways to make your office fun. Using CMA as a case study, I was tasked with determining if CMA could stand up to the Kohrman 10. Kohrman’s premise is that employees who have fun and enjoy their workplace tend to be better performing individuals. Read on to learn more about the Kohrman 10 and to see how CMA holds up to the standards.
#1 – Office Dog
Kohrmman states that having dogs in the office can boost productivity and teach people to work better together.
Although there are not dogs in the office every day, we often get visits from our four-legged friends. Trace, the black lab, likes to ramble through the halls and offices, whereas Patisse, the Westie, takes his visits a bit more seriously.
#2 – Happy Hour is a Part of the Culture
The original Kohrman article cites how spending time together outside of work can boost morale and bring people together.
CMA schedules happy hour regularly, usually once a month, but sometimes happy hour will happen in the office. Our impromptu office happy hours are based on a hard day of work!!
#3 – Communal Lunch
The communal lunch area is a great way to get to know new people according to Kohrman.
Whether it’s a birthday celebration lunch or simply a Friday, you can find CMA employees eating and talking together.
#4 – Decorate Your Office
Kohrman states that a decorated office reflects the individual, the company culture, and may help people look forward to work!
CMA offices feel more comfortable and homey because they can reflect individual style. Consultant, Dana Borchert (pictured below) says about her decorating, “it allows me to make the space my own. Plus it was not expensive because I repurposed things we already had around the office”. From repurposed chairs to children’s art work, the offices reflect the personality of individuals and the CMA culture.
#5 – Group Exercise
Organizations that encourage people to exercise while at work find it is a great way to revive the workday according to Kohrman.
CMA employees do like to work up a sweat. Several consultants discovered they all preferred the same type of workout – crossfit – and now meet up regularly at each other’s gym. “It allows for us to share personal interests and talk about things other than work” says Senior VP, Jen Nguyen.
#6 – That One Quirky Thing That No Other Office Has
Kohrman believes that every office has some fun feature that you can’t find other places.
CMA employees take “family” photos like the portraits we fondly remember from the nineties (e.g., the family that all wears denim in the photo).
#7 – A Good Snack Stash
A good snack stash is a great way to keep people happy and satiated at work states Kohrman.
The snack closet is a popular place at CMA, where people grab protein bars, nuts, and even sugary sweets! The great snack stash keeps energy up and will often satisfy our “stress cravings”. According to consultant Tori Sloan, “There is lots of good healthy food, all the time!”
#8 – Play Games and Have Fun
Kohrman says that everyone needs to recharge and playing games and having fun is a great way to get recharged.
We always have fun at CMA and you often hear laughter in our office, but sometimes we need to get away from it all. Check out the CMA gang headed to cheer on our St. Louis Cardinals!
#9 – Pranks
Pranks are not only funny, but can showed how much someone was missed while away from work Kohrman reports.
CMA has seen a fair share of pranks pulled on co-workers. From Senior VP Terence Bostic returning from vacation and discovering his office was turned into a barber shop, to funny signs hanging on doors and office TP parties, CMA has done it!
#10 – In-House Barista
Korhman states that a barista in the office is a great way to keep a smile on employees faces.
Thankfully CMA does have a trained Barista in-house. Unfortunately, consultant Liam Ryan will need an espresso machine before whipping out coffee drinks. Starbucks Friday occurs every week when the CMA Partners treat employees’ to their favorite Starbucks beverage. No wonder everyone seems peppy on Friday!
There is always room for improvement, but in general, CMA is doing a great job with creating a fun work environment. We have fun together, eat together, stay healthy together, and most of all, we work well together. How do you ensure a fun environment within your workplace?
Written by: Deborah Lee, M.A.