Lori DuBenske, PhD Center for Health Enhancement Systems Studies
Sources of Burnout High-Stress times with no “down” times Emotional work Big consequences for failure Demands for efficiency lead to isolation Lack of recognition
Employee morale Sense of togetherness through difficult time Enjoyment at work Values: Encourage creativity, innovation and fun at work Recognition for quality work
“Sunshine Committee” Opportunity for fun activities at work Chance to be social, silly, supportive Fun activities Employee recognition Personal development
Committee members a.k.a. “Sun Beams” 5-6 staff members meet 4-5 times per year to plan activities Volunteers Humor Creativity
Monthly Recognition Awards Mighty Thor Survivor Nothing Short of Amazing Candy for all Nominees
Activities Tied to holidays/time of year to help identify theme Food During work day Low cost Collaborative
Conversation Hearts Poetry Team meeting activity Teams of 2-3 Provide 10 hearts Create Poem Share with group
St. Patty’s Day Potato Bar Pre-baked potatoes (warm in crock-pots) Sour Cream Butter Salsa Onions/Chives Cheese Broccoli Bacon bits Chili Olives Other???? DESSERT GREEN Potato WINS a PRIZE!!!
Egg Hunt Team meeting activity Pick Egg from Box Most have some candy “Special” Egg Wins Prize
Cinco de Mayo Taco Bar Tortillas (soft/hard) Meat (warm in crock-pots) Beans Salsa Sour Cream Diced Onions Lettuce Avocado/Guacamole Diced Tomatoes Cheese Olives Chips Other???? DESSERT
Happy Hour Relax outside on nice day After work at nearby location
Sundae Bar Ice cream Whipped cream Chocolate sauce Carmel, hot fudge, strawberry toppings Whipped cream Nuts Crushed Oreos Cherries Fruit Other???
Hallo-Wii-n Bowling Tourny
STRIKE! !!
Chili Feast Chili (warm in crock-pot) Cheese Sour cream Onions Cilantro Oyster crackers Fritos Bread Cornbread Chips/Crackers Other??? DESSERT
Holiday Cookie Exchange Sign-up a week ahead Let people know how many sets of cookies and # per set (based on number participating) Best if sets in individual packages (i.e., baggies) Drop-off in morning and someone puts together plates w/ one of each kind
White Elephant Gift Exchange Make New Friends… Share the Love…
“Happy Snaps” Photo Board
“Family Refrigerator”
Project Boards
Other ideas Popcorn day Sandwich bar Pancake breakfast Walking Personal Fact Bingo
But How Do We Pay for It? Late Fees Donations Keep it Cheap!
Success is… knowing when to stop and play