Lori DuBenske, PhDCenter for Health Enhancement

Systems Studies

Sources of Burnout

• High-Stress times with no “down” times

• Emotional work• Big consequences for

failure• Demands for efficiency

lead to isolation• Lack of recognition

Employee morale

• Sense of togetherness through difficult time• Enjoyment at workValues: • Encourage creativity, innovation and fun at work• Recognition for quality work

“Sunshine Committee”

• Opportunity for fun activities at work• Chance to be social, silly, supportive• Fun activities • Employee recognition• Personal development

Committee membersa.k.a. “Sun Beams”

• 5-6 staff members meet 4-5 times per year to plan activities

• Volunteers• Humor• Creativity

Monthly Recognition Awards

• Mighty Thor• Survivor• Nothing Short

of Amazing

• Candy for all Nominees

Activities

• Tied to holidays/time of year to help identify theme

• Food• During work day• Low cost• Collaborative

Conversation Hearts Poetry

• Team meeting activity• Teams of 2-3• Provide 10 hearts• Create Poem• Share with group

St. Patty’s Day Potato Bar• Pre-baked potatoes (warm in crock-pots)• Sour Cream• Butter• Salsa• Onions/Chives• Cheese• Broccoli • Bacon bits• Chili• Olives• Other????• DESSERT

GREEN Potato WINS a PRIZE!!!

Egg Hunt

• Team meeting activity• Pick Egg from Box• Most have some candy• “Special” Egg Wins Prize

Cinco de Mayo Taco Bar• Tortillas (soft/hard)• Meat (warm in crock-pots)• Beans• Salsa• Sour Cream• Diced Onions• Lettuce• Avocado/Guacamole• Diced Tomatoes• Cheese• Olives• Chips• Other????• DESSERT

Happy Hour

• Relax outside on nice day

• After work at nearby location

Sundae Bar• Ice cream• Whipped cream• Chocolate sauce• Carmel, hot fudge,

strawberry toppings• Whipped cream• Nuts• Crushed Oreos • Cherries• Fruit• Other???

Hallo-Wii-n Bowling Tourny

STRIKE!

!!

Chili Feast• Chili (warm in crock-pot)• Cheese• Sour cream• Onions• Cilantro• Oyster crackers• Fritos• Bread• Cornbread• Chips/Crackers• Other???• DESSERT

Holiday Cookie Exchange• Sign-up a week ahead• Let people know how

many sets of cookies and # per set (based on number participating)

• Best if sets in individual packages (i.e., baggies)

• Drop-off in morning and someone puts together plates w/ one of each kind

White Elephant Gift Exchange

Make New Friends…

Share the Love…

“Happy Snaps” Photo Board

“Family Refrigerator”

Project Boards

Other ideas

• Popcorn day• Sandwich bar• Pancake breakfast• Walking• Personal Fact Bingo

But How Do We Pay for It?

• Late Fees• Donations• Keep it Cheap!

Success is…knowing when to

stop and play