Was your workplace created with the idea that neutral, uniform and sterile equals productive and efficient? If it was, then your employees and team members might just be feeling a little . . . bored. Not to mention tired, blocked and uncreative. But help is at hand! From high-end design elements straight out of the Googleplex to quirky desk gadgets priced at $12 or less, here are a few ideas that might help your employees to have fun at work -- and get more creative in the process. Many companies believe that employees who eat together, create together. That's why Facebook has a culinary staff creating free meals for employees. But if that's not in the budget, go with free snacks. Google's NY headquarters was designed to encourage constant snacking -- no employee is located more than 150 feet from food. But since caffeine jitters and sugar highs and lows are not always good for sustaining creativity, Google encourages healthy choices by making the good-for-you foods, like dried kiwi and banana chips, as well as water and juice, more visible. Of course, for those who will bond better over sinful sweets, Google also offers Life Savers and luxury chocolate -- stored in opaque containers, with nutrition information clearly visible. PHOTO CREDIT / www.fastcodesign.com PHOTO CREDIT / www.dailymail.co.uk It's easy to stagnate when seated all day; that's why some employers will spring for standing or even treadmill desks. The hidden payoff? Fitter employees can reduce health insurance costs. Want spread-out employees to collaborate face-to-face? Elevators and endless hallways are no fun...but if a three-story slide, like this one in a Sheffield, England office complex, or a running track through the office like this one at Germany's OneFootball headquarters are not part of your company's strategy or budget, consider Razor Scooters, like they're using at Google. They're fast, light, and they fold for storage! If all that moving around gets people sore, consider following the lead of Internet giant StumbleUpon and offer free quickie massages. Stressed-out executives will enjoy them, too (hint, hint). Color psychologist Angela Wright says the right color can make a huge difference. Greens promote balance; yellows creativity. Blues are soothing — better for a bedroom than an energized office space! You don't need to bring in the wrecking ball to make your space more creativity-friendly. Color psychologist Angela Wright says the right color can make a huge difference. Greens promote balance; yellows creativity. Blues are soothing -- better for a bedroom than an energized office space! PHOTO CREDIT / www.zazzle.com Fun decor elements can also be functional. Twitter uses soft, movable cubes (the sitting kind) for informal meetings, and encourages “nest building” with design elements like twigs that link the brand with creativity -- along with kitschy accessories, such as crocheted pillows with the legend, “Home Tweet Home.” And for the quickest, easiest way possible to let people know you value their individuality, desktop gadgets communicate fun while offering ways to unlock creativity. Some can even offer comfort. PHOTO CREDIT / www.vavolo.com For avid fiddlers, Rubik's cubes are just a starting point. Nanoblocks, or Legos for grownups, might satisfy some, while more contemplative sorts might find inspiration in a mini Zen Garden. And who can create with cold feet? desk-ready USB warming slippers will get their tootsies toasty.Quirky.
Nerdy.
Kitschy.A collection of cool stuff that boosts creativity, focus and productivity for you and your team. (OK, a few are just for fun):
Creative snacking
Creative Movement
Creative Decor
Gadgets and gizmos
Ready? Whatever your budget and time frame, you can bring a little creativity into your workplace. And you just might have fun doing it!