We get it: work is work—they have to pay you to do it! However, here’s something else we know for sure: co-worker comradery can turn any day around, even a rainy, everything’s-going-wrong Monday or the day after the Pats lose the Super Bowl (just seeing if you’re paying attention!)

Here at Masiello Employment, we’re lucky enough to have a great group of co-workers . . . and it’s something we don’t take for granted. Over the years, we’ve figured out a few ways for co-workers to have fun together. Here are some of our favorites:

AT THE WORKPLACE

  • Potluck meal. As it has been throughout history, breaking bread is a most enjoyable way to spend time with the people in your life—and this is just as true about the people in your work life. Once a month, or even a few times a year, come in early for breakfast or meet up at lunchtime to dine together on shared dishes you bring from home. You might be surprised to learn that Fred in Accounting makes a mean fried rice, or Deb in HR has perfected the chocolate chunk brownie.

 

  • Birthday parties. A birthday party might be seen as an excuse to eat a slice of birthday cake and, while that’s certainly true, it’s also a very real and touching way for co-workers to celebrate each other. Celebrate each birthday on the specific day or celebrate all the birthdays together within a month or season; however you choose to do it, remember that it’s the thought that counts—you don’t have to splurge on an expensive gift . . . often a heartfelt message on a card is gift enough. And whatever you do, don’t force anyone to join, some people have lots and lots of work to do. Don’t make it clique-y, make it fun!

 

  • Secret Compliments. Inspired by Secret Santa—that annual event held in many offices during the December holidays—Secret Compliments is an anytime-of-the-year activity where each co-worker anonymously writes a work-related compliment for another, assigned co-worker. Hearing that someone appreciates how you always meet your deadlines or how you consistently go out of your way to help others is a really powerful, mood-boosting moment . . . and it does not cost one penny.

AWAY FROM THE WORKPLACE

  • Exercise. Meeting before or after work at the gym, or even hitting the pavement together during your lunch break, is a great way to torch calories and fan the flames of friendship. Get enough people together, and you can have fun office contests, like who can hit the most steps, or lose the most weight.

 

  • Book club. Identifying shared pursuits outside of work can lead to better teamwork at work. A book club is a relaxed way to get to know your co-workers by how they respond to a certain book or character. Plus, it’s usually a chance to sip some delicious wine or fancy coffee and vent outside the workplace.

 

  • Volunteer together. We’ve saved our best idea for last. Nothing brings a diverse bunch of people together like putting aside all differences to help those in need. Whether it’s serving lunch at a soup kitchen or building a house for Habitat for Humanity, anything you do as a group in the service of someone else will lead to a great, shared sense of accomplishment. And you can always supplement the volunteering you do away from the work place by holding at-work fundraisers, say collecting money or winter coats or toys for a designated charity. Everyone wins.

Care to share your ideas for boosting co-worker comradery? Please let us know! If you’re currently looking for a job (and some terrific co-workers) remember: Masiello Employment can help you find that perfect job anytime—our recruiting team is here for a free consultation; just give us a call.