Let's get one thing straight from the getgo. Fun is not the same thing as "play." The words have different meanings. When you are having fun you are enjoying yourself. That's it. You could be working hard and fast, producing like a maniac, and still be having fun. Play on the other hand, is being engaged in an activity strictly for enjoyment. It may result in a product but it doesn't have to and that's not its purpose.

Why is it important to know the difference? Because too many times a boss (which could be you) mistakes fun for play. You might think that if employees are laughing or clowning around while they are at work, it means they are playing. Wrong! Sometimes people play at work when they shouldn't and need to cut it out. But energized fun that helps people get their endorphins flowing is a wonderful way to stimulate productivity.

Fun doesn't have to include laughter or energized movement. Simply feeling a strong sense of accomplishment about your work is fun. Knowing that someone appreciates your efforts is fun. Getting a pat on the back, a thank you in the mail, a thumbs up or a couple extra dollars in your paycheck is fun too!

So you want to have more fun yourself at work or help your co-workers enjoy their time on-the-job more. Excellent! There's hope. I've got a few tips for you below, but if you want more ideas, including my favorites, you'll have to sign up for Stress Stuff. (One way I have fun is using tricky marketing ploys to get subscribers.) I'll include ways to have fun at work along with oodles of other, interesting and helpful stuff in each issue.

• Send a personal note of appreciation like a letter, or better, an unusual greeting card. Don't send an e-mail message; everybody does that. I have a collection of weird and funny post cards that I send to people who I want to thank for work they've done for me. It makes them feel good and they enjoy the next project I give them even more.
• Have everyone bring baby pictures to your next staff meeting. Do what you want with them. It doesn't matter. Whatever you do will be fun and will liven up the meeting.
• Start some sort of bingo game related to a work topic. For example, the Chilcote Company was experiencing an increase in their workers' compensation premiums and job-related injuries. The company instituted a safety bingo game. Learning became fun and the accidents decreased by 56 percent from the previous year. The impact was significant, with a 55 percent drop in lost time. This equated to thirty-eight days of work and a savings of $21,000.00 in workers compensation premiums.

Now don't forget to sign up for Stress Stuff - just enter your email in the box on the left and press the Stress Stuff button. I'll have soooooo many more tips, ideas and fun for you.