Transforming Everyday Moments into Fun Experiences at Work

When people hear “having fun at work,” they often picture big company outings or extravagant holiday parties. And don’t get me wrong—those can be great. But they’re not what actually makes work feel fun day to day.

The real magic is in the everyday moments.

I was recently reviewing an employee engagement survey for a client, and one question stood out:“I have fun at work.”

Compared to other scores, this one was noticeably lower. Naturally, the leadership team asked, “What can we do to improve that?”

The answer wasn’t bigger budgets or flashier events. It was about how work feels on a regular Tuesday.

---

Fun Is an Energy, Not an Event

Fun at work isn’t about forced activities or trying to be something you’re not. It’s about creating moments that reflect leadership’s personality, company values, and opportunities for people to connect—while giving employees permission to be human at work.

Some leaders just get this and bring energy, humor, authenticity into everday interactions. Turn up your volume 🔊

Small, Everyday Ideas That Actually Work

🍕 Make food a moment: Instead of everyone grabbing lunch and heading back to their desks, create space to eat together.

• Celebrate birthdays, work anniversaries, promotions, or company wins

• Rotate dessert duty and see how creative (or competitive) teams get

• Add board games or cards

🛠️ Hands on Projects= Instand Bonding: Working together—especially on something tangible—breaks down walls fast. Even better when it’s tied to giving back:

• Food drives where each team creates a display

• Building bikes, furniture, or care kits to donate

• Decorating the office for a holiday with a small team budget

😄 Office Pranks and Surprises (the fun kind): Nothing mean, nothing embarrassing—just playful:

• Switch out mouse pads or screensavers with something funny (approved-safe, of course)

• “Fake meeting” calendar invite that turns into donuts or hot chocolate bar

• Desk swap between two willing participants

• Throwback Thursdays with old company photos—or even better, old employee photos

🎶 Lighten the Everyday: Fun doesn’t have to be a “program.”

• Music in common areas

• Theme days in the office

• Humor in company communications

• Letting the dog or cat cameo on Zoom (always a crowd favorite)

• Sharing a vulnerable, funny leadership story

• Sending a quick “thank you” email when you notice someone helping the team—even if it’s “part of their job”

The goal isn’t distraction—it’s connection. When people can laugh, share small moments, and be themselves, work feels lighter and relationships grow stronger. Those everyday moments are often what shape culture the most.