How Can We Make Night Shifts More Enjoyable with Fun Office Activities?

Hi,

I would like to know what kind of recreational activities can be done on the office premises during the night shift to keep the employees motivated and interested in their work. Additionally, if there are any suggestions on how to make working the night shift more preferable for employees compared to the day shift or normal shift.

Any ideas would be appreciated. Please suggest.

Thanks,
Ashish

Hi Ashish,

Kindly go to the search facility at the top bar and click on search. Then select advanced search and use keywords such as "Employee relationship" or "Recreational activities" to see if you find the answer to your query. I have seen some posts in the past.

You could also search the net by going to Google at http://www.google.com and search for the same. I found a newspaper report in The Hindu at http://www.hindu.com/mp/2005/04/14/stories/2005041400170100.htm.

Have a nice day.

A retired academic in the UK

You can keep entertainment programs, show movies, arrange dances for employees, and provide drinks for employees. However, even if they work the night shift, they need to work. They don't come to the office to recreate.

Hi Ashish,

I know that working the night shift will be very difficult and boring. Employees will feel very hectic, and 50% of them may try to skip it.

Most organizations provide tea and snacks for employees working night shifts. Some organizations also pay a shift allowance. This system used to be limited to a few organizations, but after globalization and the entry of MNCs into Indian business, it has become routine, especially for BPOs and call centers.

To keep employees engaged and energized, consider planning activities like mind-boggling games. Splitting the working group into two and organizing on a relieving mode can help. You can also provide good books for them to read during their break times. Short games like spot the difference or coloring activities, along with quizzes related to the business, can be engaging. Rewarding winners with small gifts monthly can boost morale.

In night shifts, senior staff usually work during the day, leaving supervisory staff to handle the night shifts. To provide encouragement, consider rotating managers and above cadre staff during night shifts. Celebrating employees' birthdays at midnight with cake cutting can create a positive atmosphere.

Organizing quiz sessions on developments and arranging prizes for winners can be engaging. Displaying winners' names prominently can boost enthusiasm. Idea generation sessions can also be beneficial for addressing organizational challenges.

If security permits, consider inviting employees' spouses (at least two) to the night shift. They can prepare tea and biscuits, spend time with the employees, and enhance a homely atmosphere. This should be carefully planned considering the cultural norms and acceptance levels of the employee community.

In a previous organization, a similar approach was used to address canteen issues by inviting spouses for lunch, which helped resolve the problem over time.

These are some suggestions.

Regards,
Kameswarao

Dear Ashish,

I have worked night shifts during the initial stage of my career.

Please see below things that you could consider:

Night shifts bring added stress, apart from work stress. The mind is not always in a state to think the way it should, like how a usual state of mind would be. It's easy to become emotional or tense for no reason.

So, have a separate room with a pleasant atmosphere and a few indoor games like Carrom, dartboard, or other interesting games for stress relief. Make sure to specify timings they can use the same :-)

Try to provide comfort in the workplace - a good seat, a neat desk that they can personalize, and a cafeteria with nutritious food.

Fridays can have a fun session - try having some team-building sessions or games at the end of the business day.

Above all, to make someone feel valued, make them feel that they are the reason for every good thing.

I'd prefer to work for an employer who makes me feel special. Nothing else can make me feel like this is the best place to work.

Good Luck!