ALA 2010 Presentation by Denise Vallandingham, Youth Services Librarian Boone County Public Library KY

1. Have fun at work! ALA Annual Conference Washington D.C. 2010 Denise Vallandingham Youth Services Librarian Boone County Public Library KY

2. Ways you can create a fun workplace 1. Give up the notion that professionalism means being serious all the time. Lighten-up and laugh! You’ve heard laughter is the best medicine , it just might be true in this case.

3. Ways you can create a fun workplace Benefits of laughter: Physical Health Benefits: Boosts immunity Lowers stress hormones Decreases pain Relaxes your muscles Prevents heart disease helpguide.org

4. Ways you can create a fun workplace Benefits of laughter: Mental Health Benefits: Adds joy and zest to life Eases anxiety and fear Relieves stress Improves mood Enhances resilience helpguide.org

5. Ways you can create a fun workplace Benefits of laughter: Social Benefits: Strengthens relationships Attracts others to us Enhances teamwork Helps defuse conflict Promotes group bonding helpguide.org

6. Ways you can create a fun workplace 2. Define what’s appropriate in your workplace and what is not. This constitutes addressing potentially damaging/harmful humor. This is likely already addressed in your company’s sexual harassment policy.

7. Ways you can create a fun workplace 3. Organize or take part in a “fun” committee. Super Awesome Fun Committee (SAFC) at Boone County Public Library – support staff initiative Publicist and Training & Design specialist organize special staff events throughout the year

8. Ways you can create a fun workplace 4. Add fun to meetings. Start with a humorous story or joke. Introduce something like a Nerf football – whoever is speaking holds the ball and tosses to the next speaker, etc. this serves a double purpose – it’s fun and cuts down on cross-talking.

9. Ways you can create a fun workplace 5. Collect and share your favorite cartoons or jokes. Subscribe to Unshelved.com. You get a comic strip emailed to you daily that is sure to bring a smile to your face.

10. Ways you can create a fun workplace 6. Let customers know you’re a fun company. This can mean having fun customer events, giving employees stickers/candy to hand out to children, humorous buttons or magnets for adults. You can illustrate this with your attitude without spending a dime.

11. Ways you can create a fun workplace 7. Gather co-workers for a “joy of work” hour. Employees share positive, joyful work experiences and express ideas for ways to have fun at work. This would be a great way to start a meeting.

12. Ways you can create a fun workplace 8. Have a fun recognition program. Summer reading program for employees Once a month employees share a positive experience they witnessed involving another employee; managers can “publish” success stories via email or newsletter.

13. Ways you can create a fun workplace 9. Allow yourself to respond to humorous things when they happen. This sounds easy, but some people find it difficult to stop their analytical thinking and just enjoy a funny moment.

14. Ways you can create a fun workplace 10. Commit to being fun and it will change your approach to work. Start slowly with a few activities, communicate your desire to help create a more relaxed workplace. While changes don’t happen overnight, what you can control is your attitude and outlook.

15. Ways you can create a fun workplace 11. Make the staff room an enjoyable place. Have a basket/area where employees can share treats.

16. Ways you can create a fun workplace *Remember, it doesn’t take a manager to create a fun and productive workplace, employees can achieve this on their own.