It's time to celebrate and have fun. We've nearly made it through the first month of 2021. And we've missed having fun.

You may have participated in take-your-kids-to-work day, take-your-pet-to-work day, or even bike-to-work day. While those days are fantastic and focused, it's time to bring fun to the workplace ... just for the fun of it.

According to National Day Calendar, today, January 28, is a day for fun and enjoyment at work! January 28 is National Fun at Work Day. 

Before we get too far into it, work still must be accomplished today. We don't want to get anyone in trouble today. Get your reports done, your contacts made, your designs revised, and your projects planned, and have fun doing it. It's also fun to get your supervisor in on the fun. Not only will your idea be approved, but your boss might also be willing to part with some of that community building budget to spring for snacks!

How much of your week is spent at work? Yep, take the time right now to tally up the hours. It's important to be sure you enjoy what you do and take the time to have additional fun. Let your creative juices flow. 

  • Watch a movie. Schedule a two-hour window for employees to watch a movie. Arrange different movies to be shown in various meeting rooms around the building.
  • Dress up or down. Whether themed (movie characters or dress-like-your-boss) or extra casual for the office, enjoy selecting just the right attire.
  • Play games. Set up Corn Hole or various board games throughout the office. Play at your leisure or set a specific hour for everyone to play at once. If everyone is playing at once, it's fun to sound a bell at 10-minute increments for everyone to move to a different game and pick up that new game where the previous game players left off.
  • Eat together. Instead of eating at your desk (again), take the time for a lunch break. If you're a supervisor, consider bringing in sandwiches or pizza for the crew. Enjoy taking time to get to know your co-workers better.
  • Play a couple of pranks. Check out this list of 21 pranks that won't get you fired ... just what we need for 2021.

Can you have fun ... remotely?

With many employees continuing to work from home, days like National Fun at Work Day can roll by without anyone noticing. Have no fear! You can still bring the fun to your workspace at home. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

  • Change your name for the day. Sign emails and rename your Zoom window with a new name for the day. Hmmm, I think I'll go with "Countess of Coffee."
  • Go on location. Rather than staff sticking to their home offices, they can gather for a quick afternoon at a nearby park for a quick game of Frisbee.
  • Joke via chat. Okay, some of you might already get in trouble for this during meetings. Though nothing spices up a meeting like passing notes during class. Use the video conference chatroom to keep the jokes flying and faces smiling throughout the day.
  • Take a break. Rather than jumping to your next meeting or project, invite a co-worker to a video conference without an agenda. Enjoy getting to know each other and laughing at life.
  • Give awards. Take the time to appreciate your co-workers by "handing out" (okay...verbally announcing) awards. I love how one of my son's coaches gives out awards based on well-known company slogans. Think through how co-workers display something like: "Just Do It" - Nike, "Think Different" - Apple, "Open Happiness" - Coca-Cola, "Because You're Worth It" - L'Oreal, "A Diamond is Forever" - De Beers, or "The Breakfast of Champions" - Wheaties.

“Organizations that integrate fun into work have lower levels of absenteeism, greater job satisfaction, increased productivity, and less downtime.” ~Dave Hemseth and Leslie Yerkes, co-authors of 301 Ways to Have Fun at Work

Whether you work in a brick-and-mortar office or work remotely, contact a few co-workers and decide how you're going to bring a bit more fun into the workplace today.

How have you celebrated National Fun at Work Day? Tell us in the comments below.