hen was the last time you had fun? Typically, the answer to that question does not start with, "I was sitting at my desk and ... " However, "workplace fun" does not have to be an oxymoron. There are things both employees and managers can do to make work more enjoyable.

What Can Employees Do?

You already know how to have fun. Now you need to find out how to have fun while at work. Think about what you like to do outside of work, and then translate those activities into ways to enjoy yourself while earning a living.

• Do you like playing golf or other sports? Do you enjoy friendly competition? Why not set up a sales contest or bet with co-workers?
• Do you enjoy arts, such as painting or photography? Are you inspired by the ability to be imaginative and free of restrictions? You can be creative at work by redesigning your workspace. Hang colorful pictures or posters, get a calendar that has vibrant images or use one of your best snapshots for a screensaver.
• Do you like outdoor activities such as running or hiking? Does exploring new places invigorate you? Explore new areas professionally as well, by venturing into new sales territories or expanding your product line.
• Do you have fun playing with your children? Do you enjoy seeing them learn and do things for the first time? Explore the option of mentoring a less-experienced coworker or offer to speak at a tradeshow or event.
• Do you like taking classes or learning new skills? Do you enjoy new experiences and challenges? Why not learn a new job-related skill? This could be something as simple as finally mastering the collating, duplexing and stapling functions on the office copier!
• Do you like social gatherings or dinner parties? Do you enjoy talking about what's important to you and hearing what's happening in other people's lives? Form a networking group or join an association. You can make friends and further your career at the same time.

Happy employees are more productive employees. If you're a manager, this is your opportunity to make the workplace a more enjoyable and productive environment for both you and your employees. As an added benefit, increased productivity makes you a better manager in your boss's eyes.

The Physical Affects the Emotional: Make the workplace a pleasant place to come each morning and spend each day. Is the lighting adequate? Does the d‚cor include live plants and pleasing artwork? Are the bathrooms clean?

Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Get out from behind your desk. Be approachable. Your staff looks to you to set an example of what's appropriate for the workplace. Let them know that it's ok to have fun at work.

Talk to Me: Get in the ranks and see how people are feeling. Ask people what they want: Not only will you get the information you need, but others will feel important and involved in the process.

If you invite employees to help make the workplace more enjoyable, then they'll feel invested in the process, be more inclined to pitch in and share in a feeling of accomplishment when it's done.

Change the Daily Grind. Hold monthly potluck lunches. Set up an impromptu ice cream social. Hold a meeting outside. Have contests or raffles. The prizes don't have to be extravagant or expensive, just something to acknowledge achievement or provide an unexpected perk.

Misery Loves Company. If you notice someone has poor morale, it's only a matter of time before he starts bringing others down with him. Find out the problem and fix it before it affects more employees.

Since you spend as much time as you do at work, why not make it as enjoyable as possible? Creating a fun work environment benefits bosses and employees alike.

Happy workers are more likely to communicate and cooperate with one another, which not only makes work easier, it has a positive effect on the bottom line.