BREAK THE MONOTONY OF OFFICE-BASED WORKING
With most companies returning to office-based working, or a hybrid working scheme, many of are once again starting to feel the tedium of the office. Admittedly, the routine of a working week can start to feel tiring and restricting, however, the return to the office can also be seen as an opportunity to reinvent what office-based working can be!
The workplace is not just a place to work, it is also an environment where we spend most of our time. It is important to make sure that it is a place where people enjoy coming to work, and not just because they are getting paid.
From creative challenges to boost inspiration, to fun and dynamic team-building events, we’re listing five exciting ways to break the monotony of office-based working:
1. Start conversations
There is nothing more mind-numbing than an office with pin-drop silence, save for the whirring of the printer or the clacking of keyboards. The odd non-work related conversation can provide a huge boost to team morale and ultimately productivity. Just ensure to actually get your work done (you don’t want the boss on your back!)
Of course, keep the discussion appropriate – no political debates, religion is off the cards, and absolutely no ah-em personal conversations either... Other than that, talk about the football, discuss gift ideas for your nephew, let others know about fun things to do near you that you’ve discovered recently!
The few minutes taken out for a non-work discussion will definitely boost your mood, and those around you. Anything to provide a well-deserved respite from emails and spreadsheets.
2. Go out for lunch with your team
In a similar vein, why not organise a weekly work lunch? Break free from supermarket meal deals and reheating yesterday’s leftovers, in favour of going out for lunch every now and then. Not only will this give you something to look forward to, you’ll also build better working relationships and escape the dreariness of the break room (or worse – eating at your desk *GASP*)!
And if you want to make it more interesting, why not try to find the best restaurant in town and have a foodie tour?
It is a great way to get to know each other better, bond and have some fun at work. So don't be afraid to organize this event with your team - it will be worth it!
3. Team-building exercises
Team building events are important for any company interested in developing their employees! Any kind of fun non-work based challenge will help your team to work more effectively together as well as renewing their ingenuity and inspiration.
Escape rooms provide an interesting way of doing this as they offer a unqiue, creative and challenging experience, loved by all walks of life. Escape rooms double as both fun things to do, as well as a form of team building, designed to improve communication and creativity. They are designed to be interactive and immersive, with players solving puzzles in order to escape the room.
Bust Out 360 has four award-winning escape rooms in Slough as well as three incredible escape rooms in Chelmsford, and a quick search for ‘escape rooms near me’ will help you find fun things to do in your area!
4. Redecorate
The office is a place for work and creativity. It should be an inspiring place. How about spicing up your office with some new things? Here are some fun things to do with colleagues in the office:
· Make use of the space you have in the office and get creative! You could paint the walls or put up posters that inspire creativity.
· You can also let your artistic side show with the décor of your office by changing the color scheme or adding some plants or even a fish tank!
Considering how long is spent in the office on a weekly basis, make it a place you actually want to be!
5. Non-work based events & challenges
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is a big issue for many people. Often, we feel that we have to choose between our work and our family, friends or hobbies.
Introducing non-work based challenges can and fun corporate events can be a wonderful way to have fun at work and make your office a better place to be in. You’ll create an office culture based on creativity, so that employees feel encouraged to do their best work and come up with new ideas.
Here are some of our favourite ideas:
· you can have a ‘bring your pet to work day’ and set up a small space for them to roam around
· challenge yourself and your colleagues by doing something out of the ordinary like eating an unusual food, going for an unusual walk
· create a scavenger hunt for your team, using different parts of the office as checkpoints
· get involved in a charity project to support a cause you’re all passionate about
Ultimately, the workplace is a place where people spend most of their time. It's important for everyone to have an enjoyable environment that inspires creativity, ingenuity and happiness, which will inevitably result in a boost of productivity!