Dr. Jamie Gruman: “One way for managers to build a thriving work culture is to inject more fun and play into work”

One way for managers to build a thriving work culture is to inject more fun and play into work. Getting work done is serious business, and when deadlines aren’t met, for example, a stern tone is appropriate. However, this doesn’t mean that work environments can’t be fun, playful places when things are running smoothly or when situations are tense and could use some stress relief. Injecting some humor and fun into work processes has, in fact, been suggested as one of the characteristics of highly functioning teams. I’ll often crack a joke during particularly tense moments in meetings. It loosens people up and usually helps the group get past the hurdle that’s stalling it. Of course, this has to done judiciously.