Our workplaces are filled with unusual, bizarre, mindless or illogical goings-on. But the rise of “forced fun” is among the many strangest of office absurdities.
We have all skilled mandated workplace enjoyable. It begins with an upbeat electronic mail inviting the whole workforce to affix in a “fun” exercise that has been designed to spice up morale, bolster teamwork and bond colleagues. It is likely to be a three-legged race, a scavenger hunt, a sport of garden bowls, a ping-pong match, a automobile rally or a karaoke evening.
Sometimes the “fun” is just not fairly so organised.
Loosely organized, necessary enjoyable may embrace something from a Friday afternoon glad hour within the workers room to drinks on the native watering gap, or an organization picnic.
The drawback is {that a} single electronic mail from the boss inviting you to affix your colleagues for a “bit of fun” will most probably have you ever wanting to slide quietly out of the closest emergency exit.
So why does sponsored enjoyable typically backfire so badly?
The truth is many merely don’t need to be compelled into having enjoyable or making buddies.
They come to work to work and like to maintain the boundaries between their work and non-work lives firmly intact.
No quantity of greasy pizza, stale cupcakes or low cost wine can compensate for having to have interaction in guarded chit-chat with the workplace gossip, chew the fats with the ill-mannered receptionist or endure a dialog with a spaced-out supervisor.
This is particularly the case when workers have busy jobs or sit inside anxious, dysfunctional workplaces the place workforce constructing is usually touted because the go-to answer to create a extra productive operational tradition.
Some employees additionally really feel that periods of regulated pleasure throughout working hours are a distraction from getting their jobs accomplished.
And when these identical actions are held outdoors of workplace hours, compelled enjoyable could make some really feel they’re being robbed of invaluable time with household, buddies and private pursuits.
Let us additionally not overlook that compelled enjoyable typically assumes managers know precisely what workers will discover pleasurable and satisfying — and that’s hardly ever the case.
The reality is many individuals come to work to work — not socialise — and employers should respect that.
Those who attempt to purchase worker loyalty and dedication with an try to supply a mirror of their social lives may discover themselves having to face the brunt of some backlash.
People can’t be made to have enjoyable — it should come naturally.
No quantity of greasy pizza, stale cupcakes or low cost wine can compensate for having to have interaction in guarded chit-chat with the workplace gossip, chew the fats with the ill-mannered receptionist or endure a dialog with a spaced-out supervisor.
When workplaces are extra relaxed and supply some latitude for playfulness to blossom naturally, the advantages of free-range bonding far outweigh any that may come up from the contrived form.
While the odd workers lunch, glad hour or celebratory occasion may serve a selected function, equivalent to thanking workforce members for his or her efforts, these in cost ought to all the time work to determine the varieties of enjoyable employees really get pleasure from.
These are the actions workers will present up for as a result of they need to — not as a result of they should.
For additional insights and experience on present office matters go to AIM WA’s Workplace Conversations
Professor Gary Martin is chief govt of the Australian Institute of Management WA
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
