How often do you say to yourself, ‘I had a lot of fun at work today’? Not so often, right?
According to a recent InHerSight survey, fewer than a third of women report occasionally having fun at work—even fewer frequently or very frequently do.
When there’s a toxic work environment, leadership who can’t lead, the job feels like busy work, or an overall feeling of burnout, it can be hard to find the joy of the workday outside of clocking out and going home. “A lot of the barriers to fun at work are workplace-derived. Pressure to generate output as quickly as possible, stress about the tasks at hand, difficult interpersonal relationships, and a misunderstanding of the value of play and rest as part of performance,” says Anne Welsh, a clinical psychologist and executive coach. “When we are in a mindset of ‘I hate my job,’ it can feel really challenging to access fun.”
Yet, having fun at work is vital for mental health and productivity.
“Fun and play bring positive emotions. Neurologically, they create some of those feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. These positive emotions can, in turn, create a wealth of benefits, including stress reduction, social connection, creativity, improved coping tools, and resiliency. From a work perspective, it can help us perform better at our jobs, too. When we are able to play, we increase problem-solving skills and can increase focus too,” Welsh says.
It’s possible to boost those neurotransmitters and embrace fun moments more often. In the same survey, InHerSight also asked women to share when they report having fun at work most often—collaborating with teammates, learning new skills, working on creative projects, and taking breaks to recharge rose to the top of our responses.
Here are four ways to amplify each and create pockets of joy—and move toward a more fulfilling workday.
4 ways to have more fun at work
1. Collaborate with teammates
Teamwork is one of the most significant contributors to fun at work. Whether brainstorming ideas, sharing feedback, or celebrating small victories, collaborating with others fosters a sense of connection and accomplishment.
“When we have positive relationships at work, it can feel like a lifeline,” Welsh says. “Research shows that teamwork can boost employee mood, confidence, and innovation—a lot of the same benefits as fun. When we work together, we increase that social connection which also boosts mood.”
But what if your work is remote, or you don’t naturally collaborate with others?
Career coach Kristina Butler says she has worked remotely for over a decade and has learned to connect with her team in other ways: “Slack chats and virtual coworking sessions. These helped break up the day and served as a much-needed reset for my energy and focus.”
Even if your project is not naturally collaborative in nature, you can seek out more connection at work by creating more opportunities for collaboration and fun:
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Initiate virtual coworking sessions: Invite colleagues to join you for remote coworking hours, where you can chat, brainstorm, or simply work side by side, offering support.
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Host team-building activities: Even in remote settings, consider organizing virtual team-building exercises, such as trivia contests or icebreaker questions, to bring your team closer together.
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Be intentional about connection: “Schedule a time to connect with a walk or a coffee or even simply sitting together to work on your own projects,” Welsh says.
Read more: 6 Game Plans for Promoting Teamwork in the Workplace
2. Learn something new
Learning is a key driver of joy at work. Whether it's mastering a new skill, exploring industry trends, or taking a course, learning helps employees feel accomplished and energized.
“Learning can set off our reward circuitry,” Welsh says. “It can feel great to master a new skill. Just like play, learning can increase confidence and productivity, while decreasing stress.” To make learning a consistent part of your job, Welsh suggests seeking out challenging projects that push you to grow or to attend training.
Butler says you can also take charge of your development by leveraging free or low-cost resources like LinkedIn Learning or Coursera. “Additionally, network strategically and surround yourself with those doing the work you aspire to do,” she adds.
There are other ways you can embrace learning and development, even without formal programs:
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Seek challenging projects: Volunteer for projects that require new skills or push you beyond your comfort zone. This hands-on learning is often the best way to grow.
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Participate in webinars: Butler suggests finding webinars that align with your goals to stay on top of trends and learn from experts. This knowledge can be applied directly to your work, making it feel more rewarding.
3. Spark your creativity
Even if you don’t work in a traditionally creative field, incorporating creativity into your day can make your work more enjoyable. Creativity is all about problem-solving, looking at tasks from different perspectives, and thinking outside the box. “Even when you feel a bit hemmed in by your role, you can make space for creativity,” Welsh says. “First, seek it outside of your role. Even within your role, think about creativity as curiosity. Look at your role as if you have never done it before. What questions do you have? What could you approach a little differently? Is there space for collaboration around it? Also, creativity is often easier to access with a little breathing room. Can you take a few moments away from your task and just let your mind wander?” She says doing things to step outside your comfort zone—like taking a pottery class—can even fuel your creative side.
Butler recommends seeking creativity exactly where you are—sometimes the best way to bring creativity into your role is to reimagine the spaces you already work within. In communications jobs, for instance, “Is there an opportunity to get creative with internal newsletters, presentations, or brainstorming sessions? Could you take on side projects that allow for more creative freedom, like marketing videos or designing internal resources?”
Here are two natural ways to incorporate more creativity into any role:
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Take on side projects: Look for opportunities to work on creative initiatives, like designing social media content, organizing team events, or creating new workflows.
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Rethink meetings: Butler says even reimagining meetings by adding a fun element like team-building exercises or even a lighthearted icebreaker can get the creative juices flowing.
Read more: How to Build a 5-Minute Meditation Practice into Your Busy Day
4. Take a break and utilize other workplace perks
Taking breaks should be an essential part of every workday. A well-timed break can reduce stress, increase focus, and refresh your energy. “Our brains cannot focus well for eight straight hours. We end up with diminishing returns,” Welsh says. “When we take breaks, fully away from the task, we are able to consolidate whatever learning we have done, and bring fresh eyes to a task. The break doesn’t have to be a rest, but it should be a different activity. And ideally more intentional than scrolling social media.”
Here are some ways to incorporate intentional mini breaks into your day:
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Take a walk: Step outside for a short walk to clear your mind and reduce stress. Even a 10-minute break can recharge your energy. Butler says the fresh air and hearing birds chirp can help brighten the day.
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Join wellness programs: If your company offers a gym membership, take advantage of these perks to refresh your body and mind. “I’ve found the lunch break mini yoga sessions to be game-changers for stress relief and focus,” Butler says.
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Practice mindfulness: Use your break to practice mindfulness with meditation. Whether it's through breathing exercises or enjoying a cup of tea, this practice helps refocus and boost wellbeing. “Simply being more present, even in the somewhat mundane, can boost mood, focus, and resiliency. For example, if you take a break for a cup of coffee, and really notice every detail, that’s mindfulness,” Welsh says.
Read more: Dreading the Workweek? This Regular Practice Can Help Overcome the Sunday Scaries
Creating excitement in a “fun-free” workplace
What if your workplace feels like a “fun-free zone”? If you find yourself stuck in a job that isn’t enjoyable, Butler’s advice is to ask yourself what attracted you to the role initially and to consider if it’s still a good fit. “Grab a journal and jot down your thoughts. Sometimes it’s time to explore new opportunities, but first, get your thoughts out of your head and onto paper. A career coach can also help you figure out your next move.”
Welsh says it’s not all on the employees to come up with fun in the workplace. Employers have a responsibility to their employees to provide that work-life balance. “Workplaces can help here too. Flexible schedules that allow employees time for fun outside of work helps them at work too. When we can cut down on time wasted commuting, or make sure paid time includes breaks, social connection, and space for play or learning, everyone benefits. Women shouldn’t have to do this on their own, and it’s an area where employers really can help.”
Having fun at work is not just a pipe dream; it's an attainable goal. By implementing these strategies and making a conscious effort to prioritize enjoyment, you are actually putting yourself first—and there’s nothing wrong with a little self-care even when you are at work.
