5 Awesome Activities To Try On International Fun At Work Day

We all go to work, and for a lucky few, work itself is a blast. But let's face it: for most workers, finding joy between the hours of nine and five is a stretch. That’s why adding some fun to work, even just for a day, is always welcome. Lucky for us, we get that day each year on International Fun at Work Day! 

Ready to celebrate it with some pizzazz? We've got some great ideas to share. But before we jump in, let's look at how this day of workplace whimsy came to be.

What Is International Fun at Work Day & When Is It?

International Fun at Work Day traces back to 1996 when a company called Playfair first established it. Playfair prided itself on being "The World's Leading Experts on Fun and Play at Work." On the chosen day, the company encouraged a playful attitude in the workplace. 

It was a concept in alignment with Playfair's mission to bring joy and engagement to various academic and professional settings.

Historically, work has often been associated with labor and toil. But in the modern, post-industrial world, there's a growing recognition that work can also be a source of fulfillment and, yes, even fun! 

International Fun at Work Day coincides with April Fool's Day, a time known for pranks and lightheartedness – further emphasizing the day's focus on playfulness.

Typically celebrated on April 1st, International Fun at Work Day is moved to the first Thursday of April if April 1st falls on a weekend. This ensures that the celebrations occur within the working week for everyone in the office to partake in the festivities. 

The day is about having fun and enhancing job satisfaction and team dynamics. And it's a good thing – studies show a positive correlation between enjoyment at work and performance.

5 Engaging Activities & Ideas For Celebrating Fun At Work Day In The Office

Looking for activities to lighten the mood on International Fun at Work Day in your workplace? Here are five ideas to start with:

1. Energize Your Team With An Office Party

Who doesn't love an employee appreciation office party? One on International Fun at Work Day is a stellar idea for several reasons. 

For starters, it breaks the monotony of the daily grind. On this day, your employees see each other in a new light and bond over shared experiences outside of work-related tasks. A party will foster a sense of community and belonging, which is crucial for a harmonious and productive workplace.

What to do? 

Consider a themed party where everyone dresses up. It will be a great icebreaker and a source of laughter. You can also incorporate games that encourage teamwork, like a scavenger hunt or a group puzzle-solving challenge. 

Food is always a centerpiece. So, a potluck where everyone brings a dish can add a personal touch and spark conversations about recipes and traditions.

2. Drive Some Friendly Competition With Office Competitions

Want to transform the workplace into a place of camaraderie and spirited fun? If so, an office competition is a good idea. On International Fun at Work Day, friendly contests are morale boosters for teams that encourage collaboration.

Luckily, your options are plentiful – from desk decoration contests to trivia quizzes about company history or industry facts. You could even organize a talent show, where employees showcase skills outside their job descriptions or a 'best-baked treat' competition for culinary enthusiasts.

Such competitions can break down barriers between departments, foster a sense of unity, and give everyone a chance to shine in non-work-related areas. They also provide a platform for employees to engage in creative thinking and problem-solving in a low-stakes environment.

3. Give Your Team A Break From The Office With A Field Trip

This is an excellent way to step out of the office's four walls, leaving hierarchies and formalities behind. 

For instance, a local museum or art gallery trip can spark inspiration and creativity. Alternatively, outdoor enthusiasts might enjoy a group hike or a team-building retreat with activities like rope courses or kayaking. For those who prefer a more relaxed setting, a group cooking class or a winery tour can offer a blend of learning and leisure.

Overall, the change of scenery will rejuvenate the mind and foster team bonding in ways that the office simply can't. It improves employee engagement, which is good for retention along the way.

4. Help Everyone To Relax And Bond Over A Catered Lunch

A catered lunch for employees on International Fun at Work Day is a delightful interlude to the usual workday. It's a gesture that shows appreciation for the staff's hard work and provides a relaxed setting for everyone to mingle and socialize over delicious food.

You can opt for a diverse menu that caters to various tastes and dietary preferences so everyone feels included. You could also theme the lunch around different cuisines to add an educational and exploratory element. 

In addition, enhance the experience with some light background music and perhaps some informal employee awards or recognition shout-outs for team members.

Food brings people together, and a catered lunch allows employees to bond over something other than work. It breaks down formal barriers, encourages open conversation, and can lead to team cohesion that's hard to build in meetings. 

This shared time can be a powerful tool for boosting morale, leaving employees feeling valued and refreshed.

5. Empower Your Team To Feel Good With Volunteer Work

Few things could be more rewarding and fulfilling than volunteering. So why not volunteer with your teams on International Fun at Work Day? It's a chance to step out of the corporate bubble and make a tangible difference in the community.

To plan, let your teams choose a cause close to their heart – environmental, educational, or social. Your fun activities could include organizing a local beach clean-up, reading to children at a library, or serving meals at a homeless shelter. 

Remember, the key is to select volunteer work that resonates with the team and contributes meaningfully to the chosen cause.

Volunteering also benefits the community and strengthens the team. It fosters empathy, encourages teamwork, and offers a new perspective on the impact of collective action. 

More importantly, it can enhance the company's image as a socially responsible entity.

Final Thoughts

As International Fun at Work Day approaches, plan for it to be a catalyst for change in your workplace. These activities are opportunities to weave a stronger social fabric at work and build a culture that values joy as much as it does productivity.

Remember, the benefits of celebrating this day extend far beyond the immediate laughter and smiles. They create a subtle shift towards a workplace where employees feel valued, connected, and engaged. 

See International Fun at Work Day as an investment in your team's well-being and your company's future – a day to recharge, bond, and spark a spirit of unity in the office! But don’t stop there. Keep your team happy and thriving by encouraging your team to find the fun in every work day. After all, “people rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing.” – Dale Carnegie.