— Randy Pausch

What gets recognized is repeated. When you celebrate the good things that happen, when fun and work collide, you reinforce the message that everything gets better when you remember to lighten up. We often focus on the very concrete, easily measured attributes of work to the detriment of the softer, more intangible contributors to long-term success. What you focus on gets done. Acknowledging that work done with an emphasis on fun ensures that you maintain fun in the recipe of your success.

• Unhappy workers, according to Gallup Polls, cost organizations billions in lost productivity every year. Happy workers are more likely to create happy customers resulting in

            31 percent more productivity

            23 percent lower absenteeism

            37 percent higher sales rate

            40 percent more promotions for happy workers

• At Cambria Consulting, an employee suggested something fun — sponsoring a “polka-dot-day.” All employees were encouraged to wear polka-dotted clothing. They had great fun, dressing head to toe in polka-dots.
• “Laughter is good for your health and contagious! Anyone who knows me knows that I laugh a lot and probably during times that I should be quiet. Laughter is a powerful antidote to stress, pain, and conflict. Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hopes, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert.” Laugh it up for your Health Blog.IndianaDairy.worpress.com
• Champion both your own and other’s efforts to create a positive work environment for everyone.
• Be open to others’ ideas about building a workplace that everyone enjoys and where all contribute to the fun.
• Use fun as an excuse to take a break and spontaneously celebrate good work and effort.

“Work hard and smart, but have fun as well. The more fun you have, the more productive you will be.” Abe Bakhsheshy, University of Utah Hospital

Leslie