How Healthy, Happy, and Safe is your Hometown?

Eat Right and Stay Healthy

Anytime is Good for Tea Time

Reinventing the Company Picnic

All Work and No Play

An organization that encourages fun in the workplace may increase overall productivity.  Employees feel more connected to their co-workers and experience less stress if fun and laughter are encouraged.  Not only are workers more productive, but their attitude may be reflected in customer satisfaction.  A happy worker is willing to go above and beyond and provide the best possible products and services.

Here are some simple ways to add fun to your office.

1. Encourage employees to decorate their workspace with pictures and small personal items so they are comfortable and feel “at home.”  Co-workers are frequently interested in pictures of children and pets so it is another way to create a connection among employees.

2. Promote mini-breaks.  Encourage everyone to step away and take a few minutes to do something they enjoy.  Provide copies of crossword puzzles and Sudoku.  The newspaper and a few magazines would also be appreciated.  A bulletin board with cartoons or humorous stories might offer workers a good laugh.  Workers can return to their desks and be more productive and creative.

3. Provide surprises.  Treats work for breakfast, lunch, or snacks.  Offer wholesome snack packs, popcorn, or chocolate to reward and encourage workers.

4. Laugh at yourself.  Leaders set the tone of the office.  Be willing to laugh at your own expense.  Participate in the fun.  Managers who have a positive attitude and enjoy a good laugh are more approachable.

5. Celebrate anniversaries.  Recognize employees on the date they joined the team with a small gift or treat to let them know they are appreciated.

6. Allow some flextime.  A more flexible schedule lets employees know that their personal time is respected.  Workers who feel some control over their schedule are often more productive and less stressed.

7. Build a “Wall of Fame.”  Recognize employees when clients send a thank you note or acknowledge a job well done. Post newspaper clippings when someone has received recognition for achievements outside the office.

8. Leave the office.  Plan occasional outings to a restaurant, go to a sporting event, or participate in bowling or miniature golf.

9. Reward success.  The project is completed and the deadlines have been met.  Allow workers to leave an hour early or provide an in-house reward. 

10. Organize a fun squad.  Ask for volunteers to create fun activities.  Allow them to dream up ideas to add fun and humor to the office.  Celebrate the unusual or unexpected.

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Each year data is compiled and analyzed to provide us with lists that let us know statistically how healthy, happy, and safe our cities are.

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Recent studies show that an apple a day does keep the doctor away.  Here is a list of other foods to keep you healthy and strong.

1. Berries such as blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries are rich in antioxidants and help fight chronic diseases including cancer and heart disease.

2. Dairy products are a source of calcium, protein, and vitamin D.  In addition to calcium helping bone health, it can also help maintain sugar levels. Other foods rich in calcium are legumes; dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, broccoli, and collards; and calcium-fortified soy products, juices, and grains. 

3. Fatty Fish such as salmon and tuna help lower blood fats and reduce blood clots associated with heart disease.  Of course, it should be broiled or grilled to receive maximum benefits.

4. Dark, Leafy Greens including spinach, kale, and dark lettuces are loaded with vitamins, minerals, beta-carotene, vitamin C, iron, magnesium, carotenoids, and antioxidants.  One Harvard study found that eating magnesium-rich foods such as spinach helps reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

5. Whole Grains provide folic acid and B vitamins which contribute to a healthy heart and reduce the risk of developing diabetes.  Look for oats; whole wheat; barley; rye; millet; quinoa; brown rice; wild rice; and whole-grain pasta, breads, and cereals.

6. Sweet Potatoes are rich in antioxidants and help prevent cancer and heart disease.

7. Tomatoes contain lycopene, which may help fight certain cancers.

8. Beans and Legumes provide fat-free protein; folic acid; fiber; iron; magnesium; and small amounts of calcium, which reduce the risk of some cancers and lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

9. Nuts abound with mono- and polyunsaturated fats which can help lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease.  They are also a source of protein, fiber, selenium, and vitamins A and E.

10. Eggs contain high-quality protein and provide dietary choline.  Studies show that including eggs in your diet contributes to eye health and helps prevent macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in the elderly.

These foods combined with a variety of other foods promote good health and help prevent disease. 

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Reinventing the Company Picnic

Corporate outings can be fun and a great way to build camaraderie and teamwork. Why not add inspiration, kindness, and giving to your event as well? Activities can be customized to suit your group; whether you have 12 employees in a conference room for 90 minutes, or 1,200 outside for a day or two.

Teambuilding coordinators specialize in unique solutions for companies wishing to work together to contribute to their communities. Groups may race to complete puzzles, scavenger hunts, and other team games to acquire the items necessary to complete their project. Some small but helpful activities include building: bikes for local boys and girls clubs; mailboxes and birdhouses for habitat for humanity, teddy bears for police and fire departments to comfort frightened children, doll houses for pediatric hospitals, and care packages for the military. Taking on larger projects include: framing houses, assembling outdoor playgrounds, painting a community center, or maintaining local parks. Volunteer activities also help employees to drop the shop talk and get to know each other on a more personal and productive level.

Be creative. Think outside of ropes courses and golf tournaments. Develop an activity that suits your company best, and incorporate a cause that would benefit from those efforts. Companies perceived as good corporate citizens could benefit from better recruitment and retention as well as stronger relationships with clients and vendors.

Working side by side for a great common goal will surely stimulate employees long after returning to the office.

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If you have topics you would like us to feature in upcoming issues, we would love to hear from you. 

To learn more about our customized solutions, contact:
Patience Skipper or Sally White at 

(214) 219-7115 or (800) 224-7115.