A DAO in The Life
By Stephanie Straub of Orange County
When was the last time you scheduled time to have fun at work?
It can be challenging to give yourself permission to have fun at work, especially with deadlines, staffing struggles, and a never-ending workload. Recently, I challenged our Operations Team to “integrate fun” into their workday routines. The purpose behind my request was to create space for creativity and lightheartedness that brought folks together in new ways. What has unfolded has far exceeded my expectations.
Our team has reimagined what it is to connect with themselves, their colleagues, and their duties. Everyone seems to participate in their own way. Some choose to help lead and host events such as: chili day, backyard games day, pizza day, karaoke day, and dress like a superhero day. Other choose to participate in team activities like corn hole, virtual bowling, art, and puzzle leagues that are held during lunch breaks.
Beyond specific team building time, we’ve explored how to have more fun executing our daily duties. Our Animal Shelter took in several hounds they named after the seven dwarfs. Staff held a photo shoot with the hounds in color coordinated bandanas and a volunteer in a Snow White costume. The result was a heartwarming afternoon filled with lots of laughs, tail wags, and slobbery kisses. The fun-filled event not only helped attract new fur-ever families, but also gave staff an opportunity to connect with their colleagues and clients in a new way.
By granting permission to “have a little fun”, opportunities have been created for anyone to participate, across departments, and across functions…and folks show up! The most memorable part for me, was when an employee texted me after a rather challenging corn-hole competition, to tell me how much it meant to them to see me on the field. By taking time to participate, they felt that I acknowledged and valued their contribution to the organization. The 15 minutes that I very poorly hurled a bean filled cotton sack at a wood platform mattered. Fun matters.
Take time to explore how you can add a little fun to your workload this summer!
Stephanie Straub, Assistant County Administrator for Operations
County of Orange, Virginia