Humans are a Social Species

Forever ago, I wrote an article extolling the virtues of fun in social work. What I didn’t touch on was what that looks like or rather what fun as a social work can look like since we all have different definitions of fun. I’ll break it down into what we can all do as individuals and what supervisors and the organization can do as a whole to support a fun, thriving work environment. Again, for those who’ve forgotten or never knew, having fun (aka playing) leads to increased creativity, innovation, and productivity. There’s no reason to be a stick in the mud, especially if you want to excel at what you do.

As individuals:

1. Share the funny: youtube videos, newspaper cartoons, something hilarious that someone said (while still being mindful of feelings), etc., etc., etc. It’s quick. It can be sent with the click of a button. Even a brief laugh can up the endorphins and provide the necessary motivation to continue with the day.

2. Exercise breaks: Do some pushups between notes, take a walk around the building or even better outside during a break, challenge your boss to an arm wrestling competition. Exercise also boosts endorphins, and if you sit a lot help combat all the problems that go along with that.

3. Jam out to some tunes: Play your favorite music while writing notes. Listen to it in the car on your way to a home visit or meeting. Utilize it during therapy sessions with clients. There are a million ways music can create a more fun and therapeutic work environment.

4. Books on smart devices (this is assuming most people no longer do books on tape or CD): Great if you have to spend a lot of time driving for your gig. Or you’re waiting for a client to show up. Veg out to something mindless or learn a new language. The sky’s the limit!

5. Movies: If there’s an extra computer in the office put one on while writing notes. Use them for therapeutic interventions with clients. There’s plenty of inspiration on film out there.