
It’s summer and it's highly likely the only team you want to build includes inanimate objects: a beach chair, a frozen drink and a towel. Understood.
Nevertheless, some of us still have work to do. So how can we have some fun while doing it?
Just because it seems like everyone from Janice in accounting to Steve the intern is frolicking on vacation, doesn’t mean we have to spend our days bitter, angry and buying too many skin creams. After all there’s A/C! Margarita slushies! And hopefully a paycheck to finance these craft cocktails - or in my case, mocktails!
And the chance to run some harmless summer pranks. Sure work isn’t camp, but then again…it is July.
And since laughter is scientifically proven to lower stress, increase pain tolerance and release oxytocin—the chemical responsible for bonding and trust - you’re actually doing your company a favor.
As a refresher, when people laugh together, they’re actually building emotional safety, like those early 21st Century trust falls were going for... but in a way that won’t end in filing an insurance claim.
A shared laugh tells us:
- “You get me.”
- “We can be real.”
- “I’m safe to show up as myself here.”
Isn’t this the “being at the office” trifecta for being happy there? Despite what people may think about laughter distracting from work, cultures of levity also positively affect productivity, creativity and innovation.
So, How Do You Bring All this Fun to the Office?
Here are some ways we have found to be effective for helping people relax and loosen up with each other - virtual or otherwise - no sunscreen required!
Before I share, I want to impress upon you to tell your inner cynic to go away. More than anyone, the cynic needs to take a vacation. Early in my stand up days, I did bits about cynics. They were actually a sect during the time of the Greeks - these people were the folks who didn’t go to the Bachanalias. When the goal is connection and comic relief, resist the temptation to emulate the cynics. As much as it may seem cool, don’t sit outside of experiences and judge. Jump in!
1. Improv Games for Non-Actors
We’re not talking about putting on a show at Second City. These are simple, low-stakes activities like:
- “Yes, And…” – One person makes a statement (“Let’s turn the office into a spa”) and the next person builds on it (Yes!…and I’ll start heating the towels!”). It’s quick, fun, and illustrates agreement and what can happen when everyone throws their ideas in and no one shuts them down.
- “Word at a Time Story” – Sit in a circle - or get on a ZOOM - and create a story with each person contributing just one word at a time. You have to listen, always good, and you can’t think too hard, always funnier. When it’s done you have one big inside joke!
These games are played to make you laugh, for sure, but also encourage not editing yourself when it comes to ideas. And also to literally use the words, “yes…and,” which always make people feel heard!
2. Comedy Coffee Breaks
Set aside 15 minutes once a week for a virtual or in-person “Laugh Lounge.” Contribute a funny clip, share personal “comedy moment” from the week (e.g., called a LYFT but wanted to save money so I did the “wait” one and a minute later it was downstairs. Shoes did not get tied, but at least I had pants on!), or if you’re feeling flush, leave it to the professionals. Invite a humor coach (like… cough… us at Laughter On Call) to run a quick session.
Laughter doesn’t need an hour on the calendar. It just needs an invitation and permission from the top down.
3. “Biggest Workplace Gaff” Awards
Invite people to submit anonymously (or proudly) their most ridiculous or hilarious workplace moments. I always like to tell the one about being hired to train a bunch of lawyers and opening with a slew of lawyer jokes until someone passes a note to me, “We’re not lawyers, we’re pharmacists.” Wa waaa! Celebrate the “winner” of this contest with applause, a gift card, or a slushie.
These stories remind us that we make mistakes and we live to laugh about them.
Laughter doesn’t need an hour on the calendar. It just needs an invitation and permission from the top down.
4. Outdoor Laughter Walks
If it’s not 104 out, take conversations outside. Add a twist by starting with an unexpected question like, “What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?” or “If our team were a reality show, what would it be called?” Hopefully they don’t say Survivor: The Budget Cut Season
Nature + movement + humor = team-building trifecta (I’m loving this word this week!).
And finally, put the phone down STAT!
I’m not immune to the pitfalls of social media for vacation longing. I’m even guilty of posting the smiling pictures, never the eye rolling ones. Recently (last night) I’ve taken to leaving my phone in another room to calm myself, the better to actually fall asleep. Newsflash: those videos are overstimulating! It’s way more fun to reflect on some inside jokes from the day, something you learned about a co-worker in a silly game, closing your eyes with a smile.
Want help creating your own laughter-fueled team-building experience?
Laughter On Call brings improv, connection, and comedy right to your workplace—virtually or in person. We’ll help you laugh together, connect deeply, and maybe even look forward to Mondays.
Let’s talk.