Quite a bit of attention has recently been directed at some obvious, and not so obvious, benefits of the silver screen (big and small) to the workplace. Spherion’s own research has shed some light on the benefits of small screen chatter to building office camaraderie. A recently published book “Cinema for Managers” maintains that movies can provide valuable lessons for managers on teamwork, problem-solving and other important skills. These are just two examples of a shift happening in today’s workplace – acceptance that having fun and building team spirit at work are two powerful ways to build happier, more productive employees.

In a recent Spherion^® Workplace Snapshot survey, nearly half of all respondents (44%) said talking about television at work increases office camaraderie. It seems lunchtime discussions and water cooler debates about shows such as, American Idol, Grey’s Anatomy and The Office can help to make the workday more enjoyable and facilitate team building among coworkers.

However, despite these findings, many workers still think their offices are too bleak. If you find yourself yearning for a bit more office camaraderie or laughter in the workplace, here are a few compelling benefits to help you encourage the “powers-that-be” to take a walk on the fun side. 

• Research shows that happier employees are more loyal and productive employees. Measurable changes in absenteeism, tardiness and turnover can result from building office camaraderie and team spirit, which in turn means an increase to the company’s bottom line. 
• Employer-sponsored activities can not only infuse some fun into the workplace, but are excellent ways to teach employees how to work together as a team, exercise their leadership skills, and problem-solving capabilities.

In your quest to build more office camaraderie and humor, be a good role model for others by following these golden rules:

• Never make fun or team-building activities a priority over getting your work done. These initiatives are meant to enhance your productivity and work performance, not damage them.
• Use humor and laughter appropriately. Nothing can damage coworker camaraderie more than someone who makes fun of others, uses humor inappropriately or worse, laughs at someone else’s expense. 

If you think your company could use a little help in building a fun culture that encourages office camaraderie, don’t hesitate to pursue the idea. According to HR consulting firm William M. Mercer, 8% of employers surveyed said they have a written mission or goal that includes incorporating fun or humor into their day-to-day work. Of the other 92%, nearly a third said fun is encouraged as part of the work culture.

Pretty soon, your company could literally be laughing all the way to the bank!