How Can I Create a Fun and Motivating Work Environment as a Summer Intern?

Hi all,

I have joined a BPO as a summer intern. My project is to find out ways to "Drive Fun at Work." Can anybody suggest what broad heads I should include - what motivational theories can I link it to and what are some feasible low-cost and implementable fun exercises? Also, anything else that can be included in the purview of this project. I am also planning to do a survey among the associates to find out what kind of fun activities they want. What kind of questions should I ask them?

Please revert back soon with ideas.

Regards,
Swadha.

Hi,

Thanks for your replies, but I've already looked through the site and without a coherent structure, I'm only finding vague articles, which are of little help. Can anyone suggest a structure as to how I should go about my project?

Regards.

Hi,

You can ask the associates how they find the working environment and what their suggestions are to make it a better place. For fun at the workplace, you can check out what activities were planned before for employees. Did they have team outings? Do they have an in-house magazine where they can contribute articles? Can there be some light music in the office, etc.? These are some suggestions. But you need to find out if they can work in the organization.

Regards,
Rashmi

Hi Swadha,

Just send me a test email, and I can share with you a few initiatives. I was associated with BPOs for 6 years, so I can share my experience.

Dear Swadha,

For fun at work, you can include the following things:

1. There could be a lunch party every month.
2. There could be an outing.
3. On the birthday of any employee, there should be a little and sweet party arranged by all employees with contributions and a small gift.
4. There could be feedback from all employees on the changes they want in the organization and in their working style to create a lighter environment.
5. There could be many refreshing games such as musical chairs, spin the bottle, and passing the ball.

Regards,
Annu

Hi,

You can ask employees to decorate their cubicles as they wish by sticking photographs, placing their favorite dolls, pictures, hanging wallpapers, etc. This would make them work more enthusiastically.

Hi,

Here are some more tips:

- Hold quiz competitions at a defined frequency with gifts and appreciation.
- Organize an 'Antakshri' competition.
- Enhance the cafeteria by offering a variety of food choices.
- Play some light music.
- Celebrate birthdays and anniversaries.
- Share jokes to lighten the atmosphere.
- Recognize and appreciate good work.
- Acknowledge attendance and the best ideas.

In addition to the above, you can start a suggestion scheme where you can receive input directly from your staff.

Thanks

Hello Sawdha,

You can do some indoor and outdoor games such as:
- Antakshari
- Shoes Race
- Fast eating in one minute (e.g., chowmein, golgappe, etc.)
- Paper Dance
- Last Jonnie's Introduction (informal manner)
- Regional Songs competition
- Fancy dress competition
- Mimicry
etc.

Also, consider providing gifts as they serve as a motivation factor for all employees to participate in the games. This has been my personal experience in my company.

Thanks & Regards,
Shweta Verma
Sr. HR Executive
Delhi

Dear Shradha,

As you are working on strategies for BPOs where attrition rates are very high, the tricks you are surveying are used to create a positive working environment to retain employees. I suggest you create a separate heading for cost-effective ways of recreation.

Cost-Effective Ways:
- Planning a get-together in the office courtyard before weekends.
- Playing quizzes and various team-building games where you form teams and encourage them to achieve their goals with full effort.
- A friend has already suggested Musical Chairs.
I recommend choosing games that focus on team building.

Thank you.

"Can try 'Hot Seat'
Randomly select a person for the Hot Seat.
3 questions to the Hot Seat
and
enjoy the answers."

Hi,

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. Can you guys suggest any more topics that I can include in my project? For example, some theories or any kind of surveys, etc.?

Thanks,
Swadha.

Hi all,

I have served in the BPO industry for 4 years, and I know that, individually, even if I talk about the majority, associates love to go for outings on weekends to nearby places like Rishikesh, Haridwar, Jaipur, etc.