Why should your workplace be a fun place to work? After all, this is a serious place of business, isn't it? There's lots of work to be done, but that doesn't mean that having fun and enjoying laughter is wrong.

In fact, recent research maintains that a workplace atmosphere of fun can pay many dividends. It will help in retention of employees for one thing. If people generally enjoy the time they spend at work, they are less likely to be stolen by another company.

Sharing a laugh with someone is a great way to build a relationship and get along better with co-workers. When people have laughed together, it's easier for them to overlook the differences that cause problems in relationships. Here are some ideas to try.

1. Food is always a great way to bring people together for a fun break. One of my clients has "Hot Dog Days". Everyone gets hot dogs and popcorn for lunch as they rotate through their shifts. At another company, managers prepare lunch for their direct reports and serve it to them. Potlucks are also good.

2. Music is always an energizer. Find ways to incorporate it into your day. One company calls everyone in first thing in the morning and has a jam box going with upbeat music blaring while they surprise everyone with breakfast. Or try ice cream days or a non-alcoholic margarita machine.

3. Bring in an outside speaker or play a game to bring some fun and humor into work. I like to use the A-Z game where each team has a certain amount of time to create a pile of items representing each letter of the alphabet. The team that has the most letters represented by items in the time allowed will be the winner and the team gets a prize. Contact me if you would like more details about the game. It is a great energizer.

4. A government agency has a bowling tournament in the hall during lunch using a toy bowling set. Check out the games in a toy department to see if they can be adapted to your work environment.

Having an atmosphere of fun in the workplace also reduces conflict. Two people may not think the same way, but if they like each other on a more personal level, and laugh and have fun together, they will get along better.

Everyone will also perform better. Studies have shown that people who enjoy their work are more productive and creative, in addition to experiencing greater job satisfaction. Why not try it? And send me any of your ideas?I will share them with everyone. Contact me at: peggy@peggymorrow.com.