Workplace stress isn’t going away, but companies can help ease the strain. Using humour wisely can increase communication, enhance motivation and just make dealing with the ups and downs of a stressful job a lot easier.
Workplace stress isn’t going away, but companies can help ease the strain. Using humour wisely can increase communication, enhance motivation and just make dealing with the ups and downs of a stressful job a lot easier. A team of employees at Aviva Canada, a leading property and casualty insurance group, has found a new way to lighten up the workplace with “Fun Fridays”.
Every Friday morning the team gets together and takes part in a 15-minute game session…playing mini golf, indoor bowls, bingo, Frisbee. Prizes are awarded for first and second places.
Brian Burfield, national claims manager at Aviva’s Toronto office, came up with the idea of bringing productive fun to his team of 50 employees.
“When I first joined the claims team at Aviva, morale was low,” said Brian.
“I believe in using fun to reinforce how well a team is doing as it can make them realize how valuable their work is.”
Once the fun is over, the group holds informal team meetings to tackle issues relating to their department and recognizing employee achievements - from those who have successfully completed courses to those who simply deserve a pat on the back.
The result is renewed motivation, teambuilding and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Elaine Ng, a claims specialist, said: “Fun Fridays are effective in addressing departmental issues and providing an opportunity to meet our colleagues.”
A few minutes of fun time and appreciation for a job well done has become part of this team’s way of life…and one that they highly recommend to others. Everyone looks forward to Fun Fridays to get to know their colleagues better and deal with serious issues with a laugh!
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For further information, please contact:
Jayne Flinn-Burton, Communications Manager: 416-701-4409
Brian Burfield, National Claims Manager: 416-307-4900
Notes to editors:
Aviva Canada is one of the country's largest property & casualty insurance groups, with more than 3,000 employees and more than 2.2 million policies. Aviva invests in its communities at the local and national level. Through our national donations coordinator, we support organizations including the United Way of Canada, The Scarborough General Hospital Foundation and the Stratford Festival.