It’s Halloween! Don’t Forget Workplace Fun

Happy Halloween! It’s the perfect holiday for dressing up, eating candy, carving pumpkins and having some workplace fun.
But in all the fun, don’t forget a key element: recognizing and thanking employees. It really is the secret to planning effective and worthwhile fun activities in the workplace.
A report released this week shows many companies have their priorities mixed up when it comes to engaging employees with workplace fun. What employees actually want doesn’t always match what employers think they want.
The report is based on a survey by HR systems firm Sage People.
It asked workers for opinions on various workplace benefits and conditions.
Quirky perks like a job-site ping pong table got a resounding “meh” from employees. Meanwhile, 72 percent of those surveyed said that feeling valued and recognized is what they value most when it comes to their day-to-day work experience.
“The research reveals that while many companies invest in quirky benefits to keep staff happy, employees aren’t impressed,” the report concluded.

Does this mean ping pong tables, games and fun activities don’t belong in the workplace? Not at all! Having fun at work builds creativity, engagement and teamwork.
But it isn’t reasonable to install a pool table in the break room and expect employee engagement to automatically go up.
Perspective, and a culture of appreciation, must come first. That means a) listening to employees, and b) incorporating appreciation into day-to-day work as well as special celebrations and activities.
Of the employees surveyed by Sage People, a whopping 42 percent said they have never been asked by their employer what they believe would improve their work experience.
“The findings show a disconnect between the benefits employers provide and what employees want. This failure to listen is costing businesses in the form of reduced productivity levels and a disengaged workforce,” the report says.

The Kind of Workplace Fun Employees Love on Halloween

Halloween is one of the most popular holidays of the year, and employees are often eager to celebrate with co-workers.
It’s also an opportunity to combine appreciation with fun. If you’re celebrating with a potluck or costume or pumpkin-carving contest, hand out prizes and party favors that include an explicit expression of appreciation from management.
Or simply express your appreciation face-to-face.
“We’re lucky to have you on our team,” or “[Company] wouldn’t be the same without your creativity and energy,” are great messages.

However you say it, don’t forget to include the two magic words: Thank You.
It isn’t too late to have some workplace fun on Halloween! Find team-building ideas for your staff in our free one-page guide to “Halloween Team Building.”
We’ve put together 20 ideas for fun and engaging Halloween activities to please any workplace. Use it as a reference for Halloweens to come, too. These are time-tested activities that will have lasting appeal in a wide range of industries and workplaces.
Best of all, many of the activities require no advance planning. You can implement them TODAY.
We hope you and your team are enjoying a fun and gratitude-filled Halloween!
— Your Friends at gThankYou

About gThankYou, LLC

Turkey Gift Certificates, Ham Gift Certificates, and Turkey Or Ham Gift Certificates by gThankYou are America’s favorite employee gifts and can be redeemed for any brand (Turkey, Ham, or Turkey Or Ham), at virtually any grocery store in the U.S.
gThankYou, LLC provides company leaders with a variety of easy, meaningful and affordable ways to recognize and reward employees, holiday time or anytime. gThankYou! Certificates of Gratitude and our free Enclosure Cards are personalizable including incorporating your company logo. And, nearly all orders ship same day.

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gThankYou, LLC (www.gthankyou.com) is based in Madison, Wisconsin. Contact: Rick Kiley, Chief ThankYou! Officer, gThankYou, LLC at info@gthankyou.com or 888-609-2234.
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