It's ok to have fun at work!

How do you change a workplace culture? How do you unite the workforce around a single cause such as improved quality, better delivery, or increased safety? Well, suffice it to say, you must be creative and persistent. Creative to grab people's attention and persistent to enact change.


This week, I saw a great example of both. The company, Carpenter Specialty Wire Products located in Orangeburg, SC, wanted to improve plant safety. There had always been a focus on safety but the leadership team wanted to try a different approach. In true "outside the box thinking", the management group initiated a sports themed process to increase awareness of safety and promote safe work practice.


Eight quarterbacks (or team leaders) were picked from the plant. Team members were randomly "drafted" and assigned to teams. Each team picked a sports name. Three picked football names and one went with basketball.


For league play, the management group devised a point system. Each team received points for various safety accomplishments. For example, if a team member observed someone without safety glasses and issued a reminder to the person, points were awarded to the team. Also, team members could submit ideas for safety improvement. Ideas received points.


The teams were placed in to divisions. There was an Eastern Division and Western Division. At the end of the regular season, points were tallied and divisional champions proclaimed. The divisional winners received cash prizes.


Four teams made the playoffs-the two divisional winners and two wildcard teams. For the post season, each team performed a skit detailing proper safety techniques within the plant. A panel of judges (I was one) graded each team in terms of originality, team member participation, and preparedness/clarity. The playoff winner also received cash prizes.


At the end, all enjoyed a catered lunch within the plant.


I observed plant employees working together to put on the skits. There were props and costumes. Scripts were written. There was humor. A great time was had by all while promoting safety in the workplace.


The plant manager was the master of ceremonies and clearly enjoyed the process. His enthusiasm was obvious and helped set the tone for the day. Part of his excitement was knowing he had a stack of improvement ideas on his desk that came from this process. These ideas will help sustain the momentum created by this creative approach to culture change.