Whimsy at Work-NLCA COP by

Play Monopoly for 15-30 minutes during lunch hour

2025-07-17 17:23:09 UTC

2025-07-17 17:24:29 UTC

We have a puzzle on a table anyone is welcome to put a few pieces together when they need a break

Fun decor in my office

amylorenz2 — 2025-07-17 17:24:34 UTC

Thank you post-it notes (Shared by someone in my breakout room)

2025-07-17 17:25:01 UTC

Celebrate the random national days - donut day, iced coffee day, ice cream for breakfast day...

2025-07-17 17:25:31 UTC

cnewton63 — 2025-07-17 17:25:50 UTC

I am very comfortable with bring the whimsy because I like to show and encourage others to express their individuals in unique and respectful ways.

2025-07-17 17:26:02 UTC

Cautious as some may be offended.

2025-07-17 17:26:26 UTC

Our team does a weekly summer trivia competition in the middle of the day!

amylorenz2 — 2025-07-17 17:26:45 UTC

It can depend on the setting, leadership role

Somewhat

dianasanchez253 — 2025-07-17 17:27:07 UTC

In certain contexts I am. It depends on the individuals, but I like to add fun and engagement to my presentations or in safe spaces with coworkers and one of my direct supervisor at times as well.

ghill85 — 2025-07-17 17:27:08 UTC

I would say it's important to show humanity, but I think its easier as you develop a relationship with students to be bit less formal.

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ao4919 — 2025-07-17 17:27:24 UTC

assorted, preprinted post-it notes that say "thanks" or "Great Job", that you can customize for each occasion, and leave on folks' doors, etc.

Brianna C.

2025-07-17 17:28:33 UTC

Higher education is a stressful field in general, especially student support services. There will be heavy days on the job. Whimsy in the workplace enables the atmosphere to feel lighthearted during those moments. It also makes work fun and the staff feel safe and valued. It also shows a unified team to students.

2025-07-17 17:31:38 UTC

We do themed lunches once a month in our office! We've done a salad lunch (everybody bring a different kind of salad), a burrito bowl lunch (everybody brings an ingredient), a soup lunch, breakfast for lunch, etc

Tonia

2025-07-17 17:32:40 UTC

Create digital jigsaw puzzles or word finds for colleagues to solve. Easy to do whether people are on campus or working remotely.

Pop Culture References

dianasanchez253 — 2025-07-17 17:32:57 UTC

I use pop culture references and jokes when appropriate to promote events and even during events!

"We Wear Kicks to Work"

ghill85 — 2025-07-17 17:33:58 UTC

This book is a short one that two folks at NJCU wrote regarding using pop culture to reach students in and out of the classroom

Example: How comfortable are you using whimsy and fun with your campus cabinet/VPs/VIPs?

amylorenz2 — 2025-07-17 17:34:51 UTC

2025-07-17 17:36:46 UTC

Whimsy needs to be an intentional part of our work because sometimes laughter is exactly what we need! With the state of Higher Education evolving rapidly, I feel like grounding ourselves in humor is vital to the functioning of our team.

Using Pop Culture and Technology

dianasanchez253 — 2025-07-17 17:41:15 UTC

I love using technology to make events and workshops fun! I believe in using certain platforms when appropriate such as Kahoot, Padlet, word walls, mini games or jeopardy for teaching, workshops or events; Activity winners from events can sometimes win prizes. I enjoy using pop culture references as well to make programming, workshops and events fun and accessible for students of any age!

Coloring Book Pages

2025-07-17 17:47:14 UTC

I have a variety of coloring books and colored pencils, crayons, and markers available for students and coworkers! Decreases stress and can be fun to do together.

How do you get buy-in from administration?

amylorenz2 — 2025-07-17 17:48:43 UTC

Budget? What are the barriers and boundaries?

How do you assess if a new workplace is open to whimsy/fun?

amylorenz2 — 2025-07-17 17:49:49 UTC