Do you at times wonder how you can get over the boredom that comes along with work? Well, experts say there is a need to create an environment that allows individuals to do things or activities that makes them happy- which is just one way of making work fun and enjoyable at the same time. Ignace Ntambiye, a human resource personnel says at times it’s important to look at work in a different perspective from the one we are used to- of working to get finished and get paid at the end of the month. Rather, focusing on activities that can make you enjoy what you are doing is important as it motivates one to put in their best. Putting in mind that people spend almost half of their time working, it’s essential that at times workplaces create a conducive environment that brings fun and enjoyment for its stuff, he says. Sylvester Twizerimana, a psychologist based in Rubavu district says when there’s a positive feeling in the workplace, it extends to customers or consumers as well depending on the services organisations are providing. One way of doing this, he says is by making use of breaks like lunchtime. He notes that extened time at your desk does not increase productivity. In fact, at times it’s harmful to the employee as it can lead to increase in stress and dissatisfaction towards their purpose for life in general. The psychologist adds that it has been established that long stretches of concentrated work demand that one’s brain and body recharge, and it’s vital for employees to be doing so. He further says lunch breaks should be utilised well and if possible, people should ensure they all go for lunch or find something to do that will get them off from work. Catching up with a friend and having a conversation or just taking a walk around to get your mind off work and enjoy the fact that you can step away from your tasks in the middle of the day is important. Ntambiye says another important aspect when it comes to making work fun, is for an organisation to find a way of always celebrating milestones and successes of employees. “Who doesn’t love recognition? Recognition for a job well done and for employees’ loyalty is crucial because people get to celebrate and have fun depending on how it’s celebrated. This is not only to an individual but to the entire company as well,” he says. Backing up Ntambiye sentiments is Francis Mwangi, a lecturer at Mount Kenya University teaching human resource management saying it’s essential for organisations to concentrate their resources and provide a small cash bonus or some kind of memento that shows appreciation for such individual’s efforts. Besides, he says it could be even more enjoyable when this is accompanied by rewards and prizes depending on what one has been recognized for. “When one achieves or does something beyond the normal scope of their duties, small prizes for such individuals is important because you get others to celebrate along with the person, therefore it creates some fun at work. Twizerimana says that it’s also fundamental for people to focus on the happiness side, adding that this doesn’t mean that one can’t be serious with work or productive , what’s is needed here is to simply keep perspective to stay healthy. To back up his sentiments, studies have identified that there is no doubt that happier people are more likely to be invested in their surroundings and will be more likely to work harder when needed. Also, a positive mental attitude produces increased oxygen, endorphins, and blood flow to the brain, which enables us to focus on work and think creatively. Mwangi adds that to make work enjoyable, one can as well concentrate on making a list of what’s important to them, adding that when you’re challenged with a less than positive situation, you can still go back to your list and ask yourself how the situation is impacting the things on the list, and what you can do to achieve the outcome you want.
