Having fun at work can actually increase productivity. 79% of millennials believe fun is an integral part of better performance at work. With 75% of the workforce being millennials, it is just right for organisations to take heed and make sure their talents are having a blast at the office. But how can you do this right?

Encourage your team to spend time together

This does not have to be a planned “outing”. This could be as simple as having lunch or doing random things together. This might look simple enough but bonding with other people at work can make conversations easy and make laughter natural.

Teams that are used to doing things together can make fun a natural part of their day.

Celebrate small victories

Always make noise if someone did something really good. At my company we always do the Lali Roll when someone gives us some nice comments, or we hit a marketing target, or we won a new client. We sound the wooden instrument and announce in the office what just happened and allow people to celebrate the “victory”. It gives people some good news, cheering them up in the process. The ensuing laughter and pats in the back make the Lali Roll worth it – all the time.

As simple as this “tradition” is, it gives us a well-deserved time-out while having a light moment for everyone to enjoy.

Friendship matters

Encouraging teams to do things together is a step to the right direction. Ultimately, the goal is to let people form meaningful close friendships with others at work. Having a best friend at work is known to increase job satisfaction while also reducing sick days.

When friendships form, compassion always follow and this can do a lot for professionals at work. They do not only have job-related support system but also a source of personal encouragement, something that is more important in the often stressful environment of the office.

Feedback matters

There are many elements at work that the big bosses will never be able to access no matter how hard he or she tries. That is why peer to peer feedback is very important. In a friendly environment where personal relationships are already deep enough, feedback from peers is more effective.

People who work with each other are in the best position to provide positive and constructive feedback to each other. They understand the challenges, they know the standards, and they know the language and approach to get the feedback acted on. Plus, feedback at this level can be light-hearted, even fun.

The workplace does not have to be too rigid and formal. A little fun could help people loosen up and give more of themselves to their jobs. Do not let your people miss the opportunity to equate their workplace with fun and fulfillment. This can give your business the edge overtime.