Given that work patterns/processes have been so shaken up in the wake of the pandemic, what is the importance of allowing employees space to have fun at work?
At Certinia, we recognize the significance of allowing employees space to have fun at work, especially in the post-pandemic era. The upheaval caused by the pandemic has impacted work patterns and processes, leading to increased stress and burnout. By incorporating fun activities into the work environment and opportunities to have fun outside of work, we promote a positive atmosphere that fosters creativity, boosts morale, and improves overall employee satisfaction. This, in turn, enhances productivity and collaboration, regardless of whether employees work remotely or in our vibrant, connected offices worldwide.
What are some of the ways you encourage your employees let their hair down?
We have implemented several best practices to help Certinians achieve work-life balance and prioritize fun both at work and beyond. One of our core values is to “champion each other,” and we actively translate this into action through various programs and initiatives. We have three company holidays each year: one dedicated to education or community action, one to focus on friends and family, and one to prioritize personal health and well-being. Our employees often use this time for fun, rest, and wellness. We also have an End of December Company Shutdown every year that enables our employees to enjoy uninterrupted time with their loved ones, engage in holiday festivities, and have fun celebrating the new year to come.
Check out the Certinia careers page here!
Given that work patterns/processes have been so shaken up in the wake of the pandemic, what is the importance of allowing employees space to have fun at work?
“Whether it be working in a hybrid capacity, fully remote or being required to return to work five days, people have more options than ever before, but one thing has not changed; workers are happiest when they are being productive AND having fun,” stated Samantha Abdulla, Practice Director of BH Associates, Perm. “We all need something to look forward to, creating a culture that prioritizes spending time together doing something BESIDES the actual work is the bellwether of an employee-focused company. While we all work for the paycheck; what makes you really feel satisfied in your job oftentimes is way more than the financial upside. I have always said I need two things to happen to be happy in my job; I need to like WHO I am working with and feel I am maximizing my full income potential, and I need to create relationships with my coworkers. Designing a fun culture where people have the chance to take a break, refuel and get to know each other fills a very important bucket!”
What are some of the ways you encourage your employees let their hair down?
“Planning company events that will appeal to the masses is always a good idea,” remarked Samantha Abdulla. “Something that gets everyone out of the office together is a great way to relax and build relationships with your colleagues. At Beacon Hill, a few things that we do include hosting group parties and making them silly and fun. We encourage people to take breaks, go on a walk and grab lunch during the day together. We plan team lunches with a fun theme or topic such as asking everyone to come to the table with a story about their most embarrassing high school moment, their proudest moment, their favorite trip etc.. something that gets people sharing something that wouldn’t otherwise come up builds team camaraderie and you are sure to get some good laughs!”
Check out the Beacon Hill Staffing Group careers page here!
Given that work patterns/processes have been so shaken up in the wake of the pandemic, what is the importance of allowing employees space to have fun at work?
The importance of allowing employees space to have fun at work has become more significant than ever. A fun work environment can help boost mental health and well-being. Additionally, it fosters stronger team dynamics and employee morale, which is essential for maintaining productivity and a positive workplace atmosphere. For this purpose, we have created our Lean VIP, an area dedicated to our employees and clients that allows them to have fun at work by doing activities such as playing board and video games, enjoying our lunch areas, and even attending dance classes, among many others. In essence, Lean VIP serves as a symbol of our commitment to the holistic needs of our clients and employees in this new work era.
What are some of the ways you encourage your employees let their hair down?
We continually have activities that promote not only our employees’ well-being but also their recreation. We organize on-site and virtual events to foster a sense of camaraderie and provide them with a platform for relaxation and fun. Moreover, we have designated break areas in the office with recreational facilities such as games, relaxation zones, and comfortable seating to encourage short breaks during the workday. We also offer flexible working hours and remote work options to give employees more control over their schedules, allowing them to have a work-life balance. Overall, at Lean Solutions Group, we believe that creating a supportive and enjoyable work environment is crucial to encouraging employees to let their hair down and recharge.
Check out the Lean Solutions Group careers page here!
Given that work patterns/processes have been so shaken up in the wake of the pandemic, what is the importance of allowing employees space to have fun at work?
The pandemic has had a tremendous impact on mental health and since being able to return to the office, connection with one another in and out of the office is what provides the energy and stamina to keep working. Meaningful activities that allow for connecting outside of work are important for cultivating community.
What are some of the ways you encourage your employees let their hair down?
We host a variety of virtual and in-person events that allow employees to connect with one another. We have several Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) which are employee-led groups whose goal is to foster an inclusive and diverse workspace for the groups they serve to help create meaningful programming allowing for individuals to show up as their authentic selves. We also encourage employees to take part in Donut chats, a Slack application that sets up meetings for employees from different departments that would otherwise never meet in their remote work environments. Lastly, all teams at HashiCorp have annual week-long team offsite events where they come together to celebrate their accomplishments and become better acquainted with their teams.
Check out the HashiCorp careers page here!
Given that work patterns/processes have been so shaken up in the wake of the pandemic, what is the importance of allowing employees space to have fun at work?
The pandemic changed how we worked and forced us to adapt to a new normal. It created a lot of uncertainty and put many people under undue stress. In such situations, having fun at work can be a valuable way to cope with stress, boost morale and foster collaboration. Additionally, associates who have fun at work are more likely to be engaged, motivated and committed.
Having fun at work can also improve productivity, communication and creativity, benefiting the associates and the organization. It is, therefore, essential to create workplaces that incorporate spaces where employees can have fun at work.
What are some of the ways you encourage your employees let their hair down?
Startek strives to create a happy workplace where associates can have fun, learn, grow and achieve their goals. The company organizes activities and programs that enhance its associates’ well-being, engagement and recognition, such as team-building sessions, mentorship programs and Top Performer ceremonies. The company also fosters a culture of appreciation and excellence, where associates are encouraged to collaborate, innovate and share their ideas. Moreover, the company’s vision, mission and values align with its associates’ aspirations, creating a harmonious and inclusive workplace where everyone feels connected and valued.
Check out the Startek careers page here!
Given that work patterns/processes have been so shaken up in the wake of the pandemic, what is the importance of allowing employees space to have fun at work?
Like employees at every company, our employees continue to adjust to a post pandemic world. At Squarespace, we believe in embracing individuality while cultivating collaboration and creativity. Since the day we opened the doors to our first office, our focus on collaboration, experience, and design has been central to our ethos, and we understand that nurturing an environment where our employees feel motivated to show up as their best selves each day is key to our success.
Our employees spend so much of their time working hands-on, each person playing a critical role in helping entrepreneurs stand out and succeed. We pride ourselves on creating spaces where employees can expect to find various experiences that encourage camaraderie, curiosity and connection, ensuring that we are making Squarespace a place where they can do their best work and enjoy coming back (or logging on) the next day!
What are some of the ways you encourage your employees let their hair down?
We regularly partner with Squarespace customers to bring our employees closer to the individuals that they serve by hosting customer-led events and workshops. From hot sauce making to astrology, cello meditation to digital mindfulness, career development to our customer holiday markets, we aim to provide a wide breadth of offerings so there is something for everyone.
We also host various panels and networking events to bring employees closer to one another as professionals and as people, whether they are getting behind the scenes of our latest campaigns, releases, and more.
Each year, we also host two Hack Weeks (one in Spring and one in the Fall) setting aside time for our Engineering, Product, and Product Design teams to dedicate a full week to investigating creative concepts with the goal of fostering new ideas, creativity, and innovation from within our organization.
We also offer a range of themed activities like Oktoberfest, Halloween, Heritage Month celebrations, Karaoke Nights, Drag Bingo, Lunch Trivia, and more. True to our spirit of experimentation, we are committed to continuously ideating and trying new ways to engage our employees.