5 Ways to Bring a Little Summer Fun into the Workplace

06/12/11

We know, we know. It’s sunny, it’s warm and you’d rather be outside playing.  Plus, that summer vacation you’ve been planning since January is still weeks away.

But just because you (and your staff) can’t ditch your work responsibilities for a day at the beach doesn’t mean you have to let summer pass you by. A slight shift in perspective, combined with some simple changes around the office, may be just what’s needed to bring the easy, breezy days of summer into the workplace.

Check out these cool ideas for spreading some sunshine around this summer:

1. Move it outdoors – Do you have a gazebo, lawn or cluster of benches outside your building? Perfect! Instead of holding your next meeting in a fluorescent-lit conference room, invite your attendees to the great outdoors. Who knows … some fresh air and vitamin D may be just what’s needed to encourage creative thinking at your next brainstorming session.
   
   
2. Dress the part – If there’s any time to relax your dress code, it’s during the summer. Granted, you might not want to encourage short shorts and tube tops, but if your workplace is more casual, why not permit relaxed summer garb? This might include capris, cargo shorts, sandals, sleeveless tops, sundresses and t-shirts. Just be clear about what’s allowed (and what’s a no-no) and watch what a summer-friendly dress code does for morale.
   
   Another wardrobe-inspired idea: Schedule theme days that allow employees to express themselves through their closets, such as “Favorite Team Jersey Day", “Hawaiian Shirt Day” or “Silly Hat Day.”
   
   
3. Change up the décor – Take a good, hard look at your work surroundings. If everything is looking a little tired and drab, it may be time for a much-needed makeover. From big changes (a brilliant paint hue on an accent wall or two, or changing the cubicle configuration to take advantage of the natural light) to small changes (placing some potted plants throughout the building or hanging some pictures of tropical landscapes), a few decorative tweaks can breathe some fresh life into the workspace.
   
   
4. Get healthier and go local - The move toward locally grown, sustainable and/or organic foods doesn’t end with our kitchens or favorite restaurants. Consider sponsoring a local farmer’s market, where you introduce tastings of new fruits and vegetables to your workers. Never heard of a persimmon or pomegranate, much less tasted one? One bite may be all it takes for someone to break away from the ham sandwich and potato chips routine and try something new.
   
   And while this may only be feasible for smaller companies, consider arranging an “Ice Cream Social” where you offer a few flavors of delicious ice cream, along with some healthier choices like frozen yogurt or shaved ice with sugar-free syrups. Lighten the mood by having managers dress up in aprons and hand out the treats! It also makes sense to schedule the event during lunch or toward the end of the workday to minimize interruptions.
   
   
5. Kick up your heels - While a brisk game of volleyball on a sun-drenched beach may not be possible, a bout of warm-weather fun to break up the workday may be. Ask for volunteers to bring in their un-used Frisbees, footballs, beach balls and other sporting goods and make them accessible for workers to enjoy at lunchtime or on their breaks. You know that meeting you’re holding outdoors? Take a few minutes before or after the meeting to let people toss around a ball and blow off some steam.