Ping-pong, foosball, and hammocks\u2014these are just a few of the fun amenities that companies are providing to employees. Can an employee have fun at work while staying productive? Are these features just a cool trend or do they have a measurable impact on productivity? These interactive elements can improve talent retention and employee morale, but only if they align with business values.<\/p>\n
Silicon Valley was one of the first sectors to embrace the open office. It has the dual advantage of promoting collaboration while reducing real estate costs. It seemed like a smart move to place twice as many people in an open floor than individual cubicles. But many companies have found that the success of an open layout depends entirely on their workplace culture.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s the same way with \u201cfun\u201d workplaces. The intention is to transform the office into a place where employees can socialize. I\u2019ve seen everything from arcade tables and gaming consoles to movie theaters with real popcorn. Some organizations encourage people to hop on scooters as a novel way to get to meetings. I even know a company that has a library with a gas fireplace.<\/p>\n
But is a big slide really the right choice for your company? These features aren\u2019t always all fun and games. For starters, you need a certain amount of available space. And then there\u2019s your workplace culture, which may not give employees the freedom to let go of their professional decorum.<\/p>\n
Plus, a fun amenity always runs the risk of turning into a distraction. For example, a bean bag toss won\u2019t make a difference if employees don\u2019t feel like they have permission to use it. That\u2019s because a fun workplace isn\u2019t the result of your amenities\u2014it\u2019s the atmosphere you create around them.<\/p>\n
If one fun amenity doesn\u2019t fit your workplace culture, there may be others that do. A lobby slide may not fit your organization, but there are myriad ways to turn your workplace into a strategic advantage.<\/p>\n
Your workplace is one of the most strategic parts of your organization. If you want to offer amenities that lighten the mood, you have to be intentional. Here are four do\u2019s and don\u2019ts that will help create a space with an outgoing vibe.<\/p>\n
1) Follow the Data<\/strong><\/p>\n The concept of \u201cfun\u201d should come from employees, not leadership. That means understanding the ins and outs of their workflow. You need to establish where there are friction points to determine if an amenity can ease the tension.<\/p>\n Take a look at how employees use conference rooms, kitchens, and individual desks. What percent of meetings result in employees traveling between floors? How many people use their assigned workstation less than 20% of the time and how many are glued to it all day? You need a foundation of data before you can optimize your workplace.<\/p>\n 2) Get Broad Support<\/strong><\/p>\n Sometimes an amenity will only appeal to a niche part of your employee base. Maybe your salespeople love taking calls from a hammock but no one else gives them a second thought. Or the accounting department enjoys table tennis to build camaraderie but no other team feels the same way.<\/p>\n An effective amenity is one that has mass appeal. For instance, say your data shows that your space and workplace teams have more than 100 meetings a week. These two groups also enjoy gaming to burn off steam and create connections. You can move these employees into a space with shared amenities, effectively creating a zone that supports both their work and social habits.<\/p>\n