Inspiring Workplaces: Is There Any Merit to Fun Recognition Programs?

Published: Wed, 01/11/23

Inspiring Workplaces

ISSUE 954 - Jan. 11, 2023


		Is There Any Merit to Fun Recognition Programs?

	Recognition is one of the super fuels that energizes any workplace. Organizations that infuse their culture with meaningful recognition have lower employee turnover rates and substantially higher engagement scores. And of course, in my books, you get bonus points when you can add some fun elements to your recognition programs. Which brings me around to the Science Creative Quarterly and their Order of Science Scouts and Exemplary Repute Above Average Physique program which promotes wacky merit badges for scientists. This is something you could easily adapt to your workplace as a way of injecting some fun and recognizing colleagues for things that might otherwise get overlooked. For inspiration, here are some of the merit badges The Science Creative Quarterly has available: I'm a Marine Biologist but to be Honest I Kind of Hate Dolphins I Have Set Things on Fire I Could Tell You About My Research But Then I'd Have to Kill You I'm a Scientist but People Tell Me I Look Like a Celebrity Have Used a Dental Drill But Never Worked as a Dentist I've Named a Child or Pet For Science I'm a Scientist Who is Fundamentally Opposed to Administrative Duties

		Mike's Fun at Work Tip

There is a corner of the Happiness Museum in Copenhagen, Denmark, where visitors are invited to write down their meaning of happiness on a Post-it note and add it to a board. This is a simple idea you could use in your workplace - perhaps in a lunchroom or meeting room - where everyone can write down what their meaning of happiness is. If possible, include your customers. And if you have kids at home, this is a great way to encourage them to think about what makes them happy.
		Quote of the Week
"When a thing is funny, search it for a hidden truth." George Bernard Shaw

		Funny Business

The municipality of Chatham-Kent, Ontario, created a contest this past fall for residents to nominate and vote for names for the city's snowplows. Some of the winning names include: Anita Shovel Gordie Plow Blizzard of Oz Darth Blader Pillsbury Plowboy Sled Zepplin Buzz Ice-Clear Snobi One Kenobi Sleetwood Mac What a fun way to involve residents and add a little silly fun to the winter season, after all, there's no business like snow business!

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